hypertension

n. high blood pressure: a circulatory disorder characterized by persistent arterial blood pressure that exceeds a standard, which usually is 140/90 mmHg. In the majority of cases, there is no obvious cause (see essential hypertension). In a few people, high blood pressure can be traced to a known cause, such as tumors of the adrenal gland, chronic kidney disease, hormone abnormalities, the use of oral contraceptives, or pregnancy. This is called secondary hypertension; it is usually cured if its cause is removed or is corrected. Malignant hypertension is a form of very high blood pressure that comes on quickly, usually accompanied by retinal hemorrhaging, and can result in organ damage if not immediately treated. Compare hypotension. —hypertensive adj.

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Psychology term of the day

September 7th 2024

investment model

a theory explaining commitment to a relationship in terms of one’s satisfaction with, alternatives to, and investments in the relationship. According to the model, commitment is a function of not only a comparison of the relationship to the individual’s expectations but also the quality of the best available alternative and the magnitude of the individual’s investment in the relationship; the investment of resources serves to increase commitment by increasing the costs of leaving the relationship. Although originally developed in the context of romantic associations and friendships and used to explain why people stay in abusive relationships, the investment model has since been extended to a variety of other areas, including employment and education. [proposed in 1980 by U.S. social psychologist Caryl E. Rusbult (1952–2010)]