What does hypertension refer to?

Hypertension specifically refers to high blood pressure, which is a condition where 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 recorded with two numbers: systolic pressure (the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats).

Hypertension can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems if untreated. Recognizing hypertension is critical because it often may not cause noticeable symptoms, so regular monitoring and proper management are vital to prevent complications.

The other options relate to different health conditions: low body temperature is known as hypothermia, low blood sugar is referred to as hypoglycemia, and high cholesterol levels can lead to cardiovascular disease but are distinct from hypertension. Understanding these distinctions is important in recognizing the unique characteristics of each health condition.