What is hypertension?

What is hypertension?

• A. A transient spike in arterial pressure
• B. A sudden drop in peripheral resistance
• C. A condition of low arterial pressure
• D. A sustained elevation in arterial pressure due to increased peripheral resistance and/or cardiac output

Answer: (D)

Hypertension is a sustained elevation in arterial blood pressure, not a momentary spike. It occurs when systemic arteries remain constricted and/or the heart pumps more blood per minute over time, so the baseline pressure stays high due to increased peripheral resistance and/or cardiac output. Brief spikes or low blood pressure do not define hypertension. This persistent high arterial pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney disease, often managed with lifestyle changes and medications.

Hypertension is a sustained elevation in arterial blood pressure, not a momentary spike. It occurs when systemic arteries remain constricted and/or the heart pumps more blood per minute over time, so the baseline pressure stays high due to increased peripheral resistance and/or cardiac output. Brief spikes or low blood pressure do not define hypertension. This persistent high arterial pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney disease, often managed with lifestyle changes and medications.