A chronic medical condition in which blood pressure remains persistently elevated above the level considered appropriate for health.
Hypertension develops when the pressure within the arterial circulation remains abnormally high over time. It often produces no noticeable symptoms, even while progressively increasing the risk of damage to organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.
Diagnosis and treatment thresholds vary somewhat according to the guideline and clinical context. Management may involve lifestyle measures, medication, or both.
QUICK FACT
Hypertension can cause significant organ damage without causing obvious symptoms, which is why it is often called a “silent” condition.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
High blood pressure: In everyday language these terms are often used interchangeably, but blood pressure is a measurement, while hypertension is the medical condition of persistently elevated blood pressure.
SEE ALSO
