What does "hypertension" refer to?

Hypertension refers to high blood pressure, a condition where the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. It is typically defined by specific measurements, often taken during medical examinations. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed with two numbers: systolic pressure (the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats) over diastolic pressure (the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats). When the readings consistently exceed normal ranges set by health organizations, such as 130/80 mmHg, the individual is diagnosed with hypertension. This condition can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage, making its proper identification and management crucial in medical practice.