Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified Surgical Technologist Exam. Prepare with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Enhance your understanding and boost your confidence for acing the exam!

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Which condition is defined as hypertension?

Elevated blood pressure
Low blood pressure
Reduced heart rate
Increased heart rate

The correct answer is: Elevated blood pressure

Hypertension is defined as elevated blood pressure, which means that the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed with two numbers: systolic (the pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic (the pressure when the heart rests between beats). When this measurement consistently exceeds normal ranges (typically considered to be 120/80 mmHg), it indicates hypertension. Understanding hypertension is crucial as it can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. The other conditions listed, such as low blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and increased heart rate, refer to completely different cardiovascular issues and are not related to the definition of hypertension. Thus, elevated blood pressure is the defining characteristic of hypertension.