Final answer:
Elevated blood pressure beyond normal limits is known as hypertension, which is a significant health risk and often asymptomatic, making regular monitoring critical.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blood pressure that is elevated beyond normal limits is referred to as hypertension. Normal blood pressure is generally defined as a systolic pressure (the top number) of 120 mm Hg or less and a diastolic pressure (the bottom number) of 80 mm Hg or less. When these numbers rise above normal levels, specifically to readings of 140/90 mm Hg or higher, the condition is known as hypertension. Hypertension is a significant health concern because it can lead to serious conditions such as heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, or heart failure. Moreover, hypertension is often asymptomatic, which means it can go undetected without regular monitoring, earning it the nickname 'silent killer'.