What does the term hypertension refer to?

The term hypertension specifically refers to persistently elevated blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force that the circulating blood exerts against the walls of blood vessels. When this pressure remains consistently high, it can lead to various health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Hypertension is generally defined as having a systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or higher, or diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or higher, according to guidelines issued by health organizations. Recognizing hypertension is important for early intervention and management to prevent long-term health issues.

The other terms provided in the choices do not encompass the definition of hypertension. Low blood pressure refers to hypotension, normal blood pressure indicates a healthy range, and a persistently low heart rate falls under bradycardia, which is unrelated to blood pressure elevation. Each of these alternative definitions relates to different cardiovascular conditions that are clinically important but do not match the definition of hypertension.