What is the medical term for high blood pressure?

The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension. This condition occurs when the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high, which can lead to various health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Hypertension is typically categorized into two levels: primary (essential) hypertension, which has no identifiable cause, and secondary hypertension, which is caused by another medical condition.

In a medical context, understanding hypertension is crucial for pharmacy technicians, as they often assist in managing medications and advising patients on lifestyle changes that can help control high blood pressure. This term is widely recognized in healthcare settings and is essential for effective communication among healthcare professionals.

The other terms listed have different meanings: hypotension refers to low blood pressure, arrhythmia involves irregular heartbeats, and cardiopathy is a general term for heart disease. These distinctions highlight the importance of precise terminology in medical practice.