10 Medical Terms Every Senior Should Know (No More Guessing at the Doctor’s Office)

Ever nod along at the doctor’s office, pretending you understood what “A-Fib” or “LDL” meant? You’re not alone. Many seniors feel like they need a medical dictionary just to get through a checkup. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to go back to school to take control of your health.

We’re breaking down 10 common medical terms you’ve probably heard—but maybe didn’t fully grasp. And we’re doing it in plain English, with real-life examples and a little humor to keep things interesting. Let’s make “doctor talk” something you actually understand.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

“Your blood pressure is 145 over 90.” Sounds harmless, right? You feel fine, maybe a little tense, but nothing serious. Here’s the catch—hypertension often shows no symptoms until it causes real damage, like a stroke or heart attack. It’s a silent troublemaker.

Think of your blood vessels like garden hoses. Too much pressure for too long? They’ll wear out and leak. That’s what hypertension does to your body. So don’t ignore those numbers. Keep track, take your meds, and go easy on the salt shaker.