The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension. Hypertension occurs when the pressure of blood against the walls of arteries is consistently too high, often leading to significant health complications if left untreated. It can be classified into primary (or essential) hypertension, which develops gradually over years, and secondary hypertension, which can result from underlying medical conditions or medications. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, medication, are important for managing and lowering high blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues.