Chapter 20 - Section 20.2 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 798: 4

**Hypertension** and **hypotension** are medical terms that refer to abnormal blood pressure levels. Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it throughout the body. It's measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is usually expressed as two values: systolic pressure over diastolic pressure (e.g., 120/80 mmHg). 1. **Hypertension**: Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against the arterial walls is consistently too high. It's a chronic medical condition that can have serious implications for cardiovascular health. Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it usually doesn't cause noticeable symptoms until it has caused significant damage to organs like the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain. Hypertension is a major risk factor for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association define hypertension as having a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or higher. 2. **Hypotension**: Hypotension, on the other hand, refers to low blood pressure. It occurs when the force of blood against the arterial walls is lower than normal. Hypotension can lead to inadequate blood flow to the organs and tissues, which may result in symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, fatigue, and blurry vision. There are various causes of hypotension, including dehydration, certain medications, heart problems, and underlying medical conditions. Acute hypotension can be a medical emergency, especially if it leads to reduced blood flow to critical organs like the brain. In both cases, it's important to manage blood pressure within a healthy range. Hypertension is often managed through lifestyle changes (such as diet, exercise, and stress management) and medication when necessary. Hypotension may require addressing underlying causes and making adjustments to medication and fluid intake. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential to detect and manage both hypertension and hypotension. Blood pressure measurement is a fundamental aspect of cardiovascular health assessment, and maintaining optimal blood pressure levels helps reduce the risk of associated health problems.

**Hypertension** and **hypotension** are medical terms that refer to abnormal blood pressure levels. Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it throughout the body. It's measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is usually expressed as two values: systolic pressure over diastolic pressure (e.g., 120/80 mmHg). 1. **Hypertension**: Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against the arterial walls is consistently too high. It's a chronic medical condition that can have serious implications for cardiovascular health. Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it usually doesn't cause noticeable symptoms until it has caused significant damage to organs like the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain. Hypertension is a major risk factor for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association define hypertension as having a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or higher. 2. **Hypotension**: Hypotension, on the other hand, refers to low blood pressure. It occurs when the force of blood against the arterial walls is lower than normal. Hypotension can lead to inadequate blood flow to the organs and tissues, which may result in symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, fatigue, and blurry vision. There are various causes of hypotension, including dehydration, certain medications, heart problems, and underlying medical conditions. Acute hypotension can be a medical emergency, especially if it leads to reduced blood flow to critical organs like the brain. In both cases, it's important to manage blood pressure within a healthy range. Hypertension is often managed through lifestyle changes (such as diet, exercise, and stress management) and medication when necessary. Hypotension may require addressing underlying causes and making adjustments to medication and fluid intake. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential to detect and manage both hypertension and hypotension. Blood pressure measurement is a fundamental aspect of cardiovascular health assessment, and maintaining optimal blood pressure levels helps reduce the risk of associated health problems.