What does 'hyper' indicate in medical terms?

In medical terminology, the prefix "hyper-" is commonly used to indicate a condition of excess or an elevated state. It generally means "above," "beyond," or "more than normal." For example, in the context of blood pressure, "hypertension" refers to abnormally high blood pressure. This prefix is instrumental in articulating various medical conditions, as it helps to describe abnormalities that involve an increase or surplus of a particular substance or function in the body.

The other terms represent different prefixes with distinct meanings: "hypo-" indicates deficiency or a state that is below normal, "peri-" relates to surrounding or around, and "sub-" also suggests a position of being under or beneath. Each term serves a unique purpose in the medical language, but "hyper-" distinctly conveys the concept of excess or an elevated condition.