Which term is used for chronic high arterial pressure?

Which term is used for chronic high arterial pressure?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypotension
• C. Shock
• D. Arteriosclerosis

Answer: (A)

Hypertension is the term used for chronic high arterial pressure. It means systemic blood pressure remains elevated over time, not just a temporary spike. Sustained hypertension makes the heart work harder and can damage vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and eye damage. Blood pressure is measured as systolic over diastolic pressure, with normal values around 120/80 mmHg; readings that stay above the normal range are labeled hypertension. The other terms describe different concepts: hypotension is low blood pressure; shock is a dangerous state of inadequate tissue perfusion often with very low blood pressure; arteriosclerosis is the hardening and thickening of arterial walls, which can contribute to higher pressures but is not the term for chronic high pressure itself.

Hypertension is the term used for chronic high arterial pressure. It means systemic blood pressure remains elevated over time, not just a temporary spike. Sustained hypertension makes the heart work harder and can damage vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and eye damage. Blood pressure is measured as systolic over diastolic pressure, with normal values around 120/80 mmHg; readings that stay above the normal range are labeled hypertension. The other terms describe different concepts: hypotension is low blood pressure; shock is a dangerous state of inadequate tissue perfusion often with very low blood pressure; arteriosclerosis is the hardening and thickening of arterial walls, which can contribute to higher pressures but is not the term for chronic high pressure itself.