What condition is referred to as hypertension?

Hypertension is defined as abnormally high blood pressure, which means that the pressure in the arteries is consistently elevated above the normal range. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and has two components: systolic pressure (the pressure during heartbeats) and diastolic pressure (the pressure between heartbeats).

If the readings are consistently elevated, it can lead to various health risks, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Monitoring and managing hypertension is crucial for maintaining overall health, as it often requires lifestyle changes or medications to reduce the blood pressure to a safer level.

The other options do not accurately describe hypertension. Normal blood pressure represents a healthy range, low blood pressure indicates hypotension, and unstable readings refer to fluctuations that could suggest various health issues but do not specifically designate hypertension.