Final answer:
Hypertension is the medical term for chronic high blood pressure that damages the walls of arterial blood vessels, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and can lead to arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for excessive and damaging pressure of the blood against the walls of arterial blood vessels is known as hypertension, or high blood pressure. This condition significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and heart attacks. It can lead to arteriosclerosis, which begins with injury to the endothelium of an artery, often caused by hypertension itself or factors like high blood glucose, tobacco use, or excessive blood lipids.
Atherosclerosis is a closely related condition where artery walls thicken and stiffen due to the buildup of fatty plaques, which can start in childhood and continue throughout life. Controlling hypertension through medication or lifestyle changes is crucial to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially strokes.