Word parts
What it means
Long-lasting high blood pressureBLUD PRESH-erThe force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries, written as systolic over diastolic in mm Hg.Full entry . Under the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, stage 1 is a systolic pressure of 130–139 or a diastolic of 80–89 mm Hg, and stage 2 is 140/90 or higher. Most people feel nothing, which is why it is called a silent disease, but over years it damages the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. One high reading is not a diagnosis; it is based on several readings on different days.
For the nurse
Measure with the right size cuff, the client seated with feet flat and arm supported at heart level after a few minutes of rest. Teach lifestyle changes (less salt, exercise, weight loss, limiting alcohol, not smoking) and taking medicines every day even when feeling well. Report very high readings, or high readings with headache, chest pain, vision changes or confusion.
In a chart
"BP 158/96 and 154/94 on recheck; history of hypertension, missed morning dose."
Remember it
Hyper is high: high tension in the arteries.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | HTN |
|---|---|
| Everyday words | high blood pressure |
| Spanish | hipertensión |
| Also written | HTN, hypertensive |
Easy to confuse with
hypotension
Blood pressure lower than normal, generally below 90/60 mm Hg in an adult.
Related terms
mm Hg
Millimeters of mercury: the unit used to measure blood pressure and the pressure of gases in the blood.
blood pressure
The force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries, written as systolic over diastolic in mm Hg.
hypotension
Blood pressure lower than normal, generally below 90/60 mm Hg in an adult.
coronary artery disease
Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, most often from fatty plaque buildup.