What defines hypertension?

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Hypertension is defined by the presence of high blood pressure, which is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries that is consistently elevated. This condition can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease and stroke, if not properly managed. The diagnosis of hypertension typically involves measuring blood pressure readings, where a systolic reading (the top number) consistently over 130 mmHg or a diastolic reading (the bottom number) over 80 mmHg is considered indicative of high blood pressure.

Other options listed do not pertain to hypertension. Low cholesterol levels, for instance, relate more to cardiovascular health but do not directly define hypertension. Similarly, high blood sugar levels relate to diabetes, and low potassium levels can impact heart health but are more associated with electrolyte imbalances rather than hypertension itself. Therefore, the defining feature of hypertension is indeed high blood pressure.

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