International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Trainer Practice Exam

What condition is defined as a chronically elevated level of arterial blood pressure?

1. Hypotension

2. Hematoma

3. Hypertension

4. Cerebral palsy

The correct answer is: Hypertension

The condition defined as a chronically elevated level of arterial blood pressure is hypertension. This medical term refers specifically to the sustained increase in arterial pressure, which can lead to numerous health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage over time. Hypertension is typically diagnosed when blood pressure readings consistently exceed a certain threshold, commonly set at 130/80 mmHg or higher. The chronic nature of this condition means that individuals with hypertension may not always experience noticeable symptoms, making regular monitoring important for early detection and management. The other options reflect conditions that do not pertain to elevated blood pressure. For instance, hypotension refers to low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and fainting. Hematoma describes a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, whereas cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement and muscle tone due to damage to the developing brain, typically occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. None of these conditions share the defining characteristic of chronically elevated arterial blood pressure.