What is the medical term for high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is medically termed hypertension. This condition is characterized by consistently elevated levels of blood pressure in the arteries, which can lead to various health issues if not managed properly. Hypertension can strain the heart, damage blood vessels, and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. Understanding this term is crucial for recognizing its significance in patient assessments and treatment plans in the emergency department setting. The other terms listed, while relevant to cardiovascular or metabolic health, do not refer specifically to high blood pressure; for example, hyperlipidemia relates to elevated lipid levels in the blood, diabetes mellitus refers to a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, and cardiomyopathy signifies diseases of the heart muscle.