Q. What is hypertension, and how is it defined in medical terms?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Hypertension, often called high blood pressure, is a common medical condition. It occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. In medical terms, it's defined as having a systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 130 mm Hg or higher, and/or a diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of 80 mm Hg or higher.

To put it simply, systolic pressure measures the force when your heart beats, and diastolic pressure measures the force when your heart rests between beats. When these numbers consistently exceed the defined limits, it's hypertension.

This condition is a silent threat because it often shows no symptoms in its early stages. But if left uncontrolled, it can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues.

So, it's crucial to regularly check your blood pressure, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of hypertension, a poor diet, lack of exercise, or smoking.

Monitoring your blood pressure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management, and following your doctor's advice can help keep hypertension in check.

Understanding what hypertension is in medical terms is the first step toward taking control of your health. It's a condition that can often be managed with lifestyle changes and medication under a healthcare professional's guidance. Don't ignore it; your heart will thank you.

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Looking for expert medical advice and care can be a daunting task, especially when you need it urgently. But with Second Medic, you can connect with the best doctors in just a few minutes and have a private care conversation with them, all for free!

Our platform is designed to make it easy for you to get the medical advice and care you need without any hassle. Whether you have a minor health concern or a serious medical condition, our team of experienced doctors are here to help.

At Second Medic, we understand the importance of timely and reliable medical advice. That's why we've made it our mission to provide you with the best possible care, at the convenience of your own home.

Our platform is easy to use, and you can connect with a doctor in just a few simple steps. All you need to do is create an account, tell us about your health concern, and we'll match you with a doctor who has the expertise to help you.

You can then have a private care conversation with your doctor, where you can discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any other concerns you may have. Our doctors will then provide you with expert advice and guidance on the next steps to take.

So, whether you're looking for medical advice, a second opinion, or a prescription refill, Second Medic has got you covered. With our platform, you can get the care you need, when you need it, all for free!