What condition is indicated by a systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mmHg?

Hypertension is characterized by elevated blood pressure, defined as a systolic measurement greater than 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic measurement greater than 90 mmHg. This condition indicates that the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, which can lead to serious health issues over time, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

Monitor blood pressure regularly because hypertension often develops over many years without noticeable symptoms, making understanding these thresholds essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. Conversely, conditions like hypotension refer to low blood pressure, while terms such as "hypercardiac" and "normal tension" are not standard medical descriptors for blood pressure conditions. This underscores the importance of recognizing hypertension as a critical health indicator requiring attention and management.