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tensión means blood pressure — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 20, 2025

🩺 Medical Spanish

tensión

noun • /[ten-SYON]/

blood pressure

Example:

Su tensión arterial está ligeramente alta.

Your blood pressure is slightly high.

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🧠 What does tensión mean?

In a medical context, 'tensión' most commonly refers to 'blood pressure.' It describes the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. You'll often hear it used with 'arterial' (tensión arterial) to be extra clear. While 'tensión' can also mean 'tension' in a general sense, like stress or tightness, when talking to a doctor or about health, it's usually understood as blood pressure.

📚 Extra examples

  • Me voy a tomar la tensión.
    I'm going to take my blood pressure.
  • El médico me dijo que tengo la tensión alta.
    The doctor told me I have high blood pressure.
  • ¿Te han tomado la tensión últimamente?
    Have they taken your blood pressure recently?
  • Necesito un aparato para medir la tensión.
    I need a blood pressure monitor.
  • Mi tensión está normal.
    My blood pressure is normal.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'blood pressure' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'blood pressure' in Spanish is 'tensión arterial.' 'Tensión' on its own is often understood in a medical context, but adding 'arterial' ensures clarity.
How do you pronounce 'tensión' in Spanish?
It's pronounced ten-SYOHN, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The 's' sounds like the 's' in 'sin,' and the 'ión' makes a 'yon' sound.
How do you use 'tensión' in a sentence?
Here are some examples: 'Tengo la tensión alta' (I have high blood pressure), 'Me duele la cabeza por la tensión' (My head hurts because of my blood pressure/high blood pressure), 'El médico me va a tomar la tensión' (The doctor is going to take my blood pressure).
What is the English translation of 'tensión'?
While it can mean 'tension' generally, in a medical context, 'tensión' translates to 'blood pressure.'
Does 'tensión' change for gender or number?
No, 'tensión' is a feminine noun, but it doesn't change its form for singular or plural. You use 'la tensión' for both 'the blood pressure' and 'the blood pressures.'
Is 'tensión' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, particularly when discussing health. It's a word you'll likely hear at the doctor's office or in conversations about well-being.
Does 'tensión' have slang or double meanings?
While its primary medical meaning is 'blood pressure,' 'tensión' can also mean 'tension' in a more general sense (stress, a tense situation, etc.). The context will usually make it clear which meaning is intended.
Is 'tensión' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'tensión' as 'blood pressure' are consistent across both Spain and Latin America.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "tensión"

Synonyms: presión arterial

💡 Did You Know?

Monitoring your 'tensión arterial' is crucial for maintaining good health. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so regular check-ups are essential!

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