What is the common term for the medical condition characterized by high blood pressure?

The term used to describe the medical condition of high blood pressure is hypertension. This condition occurs when the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed with two numbers: systolic pressure (the first number, which measures the pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic pressure (the second number, which measures the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats).

Understanding hypertension is crucial as it can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. This condition often goes unnoticed since it may not present any obvious symptoms, which is why regular monitoring of blood pressure is important.

The other terms presented relate to different medical conditions: hypotension refers to low blood pressure, ischemia describes a reduction in blood supply to tissues, and arrhythmia pertains to irregular heartbeats. Each of these has distinct definitions and implications in medical practice, which underscores the unique nature of hypertension as a standalone condition.