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Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Classification

Hypertension can be classified into two main types:

• Primary hypertension: Also known as essential hypertension, this type has no identifiable cause and accounts for about 90-95% of cases.
• Secondary hypertension: This type is caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney disease, endocrine disorders, or medications.

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of hypertension involves complex interactions between the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and nervous system. Key mechanisms include:

• Increased cardiac output
• Increased systemic vascular resistance
• Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation
• Sympathetic nervous system overactivity

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing hypertension, including:

• Age: Risk increases with age.
• Genetics: Family history of hypertension.
• Obesity: Excess body weight.
• Diet: High sodium intake, low potassium intake.
• Physical inactivity
• Alcohol consumption
• Stress

Symptoms

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds

Diagnosis

Hypertension is diagnosed based on blood pressure measurements. A diagnosis is made if:

• Systolic blood pressure is consistently ≥ 140 mmHg
• Diastolic blood pressure is consistently ≥ 90 mmHg

Management

Management of hypertension involves lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet
• Weight loss
• Regular physical activity
• Smoking cessation
• Alcohol moderation

Pharmacotherapy

Common classes of antihypertensive medications include:

• Diuretics
• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Calcium channel blockers
• Beta blockers

Complications

Untreated hypertension can lead to serious health complications, such as:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Aneurysm

See Also

• Blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Kidney disease