What does hypertension mean?
Hypertension is the medical term for blood pressure that remains higher than normal over time. It usually develops without obvious symptoms, so diagnosis depends on repeated measurements rather than how a person feels. Hypertension is important because it increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney damage, and other complications. Doctors may recommend lifestyle measures such as reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol, as well as medication when appropriate. The word combines Greek elements meaning “over” or “beyond” with “tension,” reflecting the excessive pressure exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries. In everyday conversation, “high blood pressure” is often used instead, while “hypertension” remains standard in medical, scientific, and educational writing.
nounHypertension is persistently elevated arterial blood pressure, especially when the pressure remains high on repeated measurements. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other cardiovascular complications.
- The medical condition of having persistently high blood pressure.
"Her doctor diagnosed hypertension after several months of consistently high blood-pressure readings."
"Lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of hypertension."
"The study examined the relationship between hypertension and cardiovascular disease."
The plural is uncommon; the word is normally used in the singular to refer to the medical condition.
"The study compared the records of patients with hypertension and severe hypertension."
Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it usually causes no noticeable symptoms while gradually damaging the heart, brain, and kidneys.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hypertension come from?
Hypertension was formed in the 19th century from the Greek prefix hyper-, meaning “over” or “excessive,” and tension, a word based on the Latin tendere, meaning “to stretch” or “extend.” Its development followed the development of medical measurement and the recognition that chronic high blood pressure could be identified as a distinct condition. The root is also reflected in related words such as hyperbole and hyperactive, as well as in the Latin-derived family of tension, tend, and tendency.
Related word forms
How hypertension is actually used
This is a formal medical term used in clinical and public-health contexts. In general speech, people more often say “high blood pressure,” although both terms are widely understood.
Easily confused with hypertension
Hypertension means abnormally high blood pressure, whereas hypotension means abnormally low blood pressure.
Hypertension affects blood pressure, while hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid gland and is a different condition.