US Medical Term · conditions
Hypertension
Hipertensión
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Hypertension |
| Spanish (Español) | Hipertensión |
| Chinese (中文) | 高血壓 |
| Korean (한국어) | 고혈압 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Tăng huyết áp |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Altapresyon |
| Portuguese (Português) | Hipertensão |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ความดันโลหิตสูง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 高血圧 |
What it means
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, means the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg; readings of 130/80 or higher are considered high. Over time, untreated high blood pressure damages blood vessels and increases risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. It rarely causes symptoms, so it is often called the 'silent killer.' Treatment typically includes lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake and exercising, along with medications prescribed by your doctor.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have been diagnosed with hypertension and need to know my current blood pressure reading.
Me han diagnosticado hipertensión y necesito saber mi lectura actual de presión arterial.
Can you refill my blood pressure medication before I run out?
¿Puede renovar mi medicamento para la presión arterial antes de que se me acabe?
Does my insurance cover a home blood pressure monitor for managing my hypertension?
¿Mi seguro cubre un monitor de presión arterial para el hogar para controlar mi hipertensión?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
I10 Essential (primary) hypertensionRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026