What does the term "hypertension" indicate?

Hypertension refers specifically to a condition marked by elevated blood pressure levels. Blood pressure is presented as two numbers: systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number), which measure the pressure in the arteries during heartbeats and between beats, respectively. When these numbers consistently exceed healthy levels, typically defined as 130/80 mmHg or higher, it indicates hypertension. This condition can increase the risk of serious health issues, such as heart disease and stroke, making awareness and management important. Understanding this terminology is crucial for medical office management because it assists healthcare professionals in assessing patient health and developing treatment plans.