Definition: Persistent blood pressure above 140/90. The cause of common hypertension is still poorly understood. It is important to monitor blood pressure because severe or ongoing hypertension can lead to stroke and other life-threatening conditions.
Pre-hypertension is any blood pressure where the systolic value (top number) is persistently over 120, or where the diastolic value (bottom number) is over 80.
Pre-hypertension is any blood pressure where the systolic value (top number) is persistently over 120, or where the diastolic value (bottom number) is over 80.
Pronunciation: high-per-TEN-shun
Also Known As: high blood pressure
Common Misspellings: hipertension
Examples: She was relieved when she learned that her blood pressure was 112/78 because her mother had suffered from hypertension.