What does the prefix 'hyper-' indicate?

The prefix 'hyper-' is derived from Greek and signifies an excess, something that is abnormally high, or above normal levels. In medical terminology, it is commonly used to describe conditions that involve elevated levels or excessive functions. For example, 'hypertension' refers to abnormally high blood pressure, and 'hyperglycemia' indicates an excessive level of glucose in the blood. This prefix helps convey important clinical information about the severity or degree of a condition, making it a critical aspect of medical nomenclature.