高血圧

• Reading: こうけつあつ
• Romaji: kouketsuatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 高 (kou/taka) — high, tall; 血 (ketsu/chi) — blood; 圧 (atsu) — pressure
• Pronunciation: /koː.ke.tsɯ.a.tsɯ/

Meaning

High blood pressure; hypertension. A chronic condition where blood pressure is elevated above normal levels.

A noun for hypertension, one of the most common lifestyle-related diseases in Japan. Contrasts with 低血圧 (teiketsuatsu, low blood pressure). Frequently discussed in health check-ups, dietary advice, and medication contexts. Closely associated with salt intake (塩分の取りすぎ) and is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease.

Examples

1. 高血圧の人は塩分を控えたほうがいい。 People with high blood pressure should cut back on salt.
2. 健康診断で高血圧だと診断された。 I was diagnosed with high blood pressure at my physical exam.
3. 父は高血圧の薬を毎日飲んでいる。 My father takes medication for high blood pressure every day.

Usage Guide

Context: medical, health check-ups, daily life

Tone: informative

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 高 (kou, high) + 血 (ketsu, blood) + 圧 (atsu, pressure). A straightforward compound meaning 'high blood pressure.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal