Which of the following best describes hypertension?

Hypertension is acknowledged as chronic high blood pressure in which the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This condition can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems if left untreated. It is defined as having a blood pressure reading above the normal range, which varies depending on age and other factors, but generally involves readings consistently above 130/80 mm Hg.

Understanding hypertension in this context is crucial for a combat medic specialist, as recognizing and appropriately responding to high blood pressure can be vital in ensuring patient safety and health. Monitoring blood pressure and being aware of the potential complications of hypertension enables medics to provide better care in both field and clinical settings.