Which measurement is essential for assessing hypertension?

Blood pressure is the critical measurement used to assess hypertension because it directly measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is defined as having consistently elevated blood pressure readings, typically at or above 130/80 mmHg, according to current guidelines.

Measuring blood pressure allows healthcare providers to determine whether a patient might be at risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, or other complications associated with hypertension. Other measurements, such as heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature, provide important information about a patient's overall health and can indicate different health issues, but they do not specifically assess blood pressure levels or diagnose hypertension. Therefore, blood pressure is the most relevant and essential measurement in this context.