Hypertension

Synonyms

High blood pressure

Definition

Hypertension (or “high blood pressure”) is a chronic medical condition in which the systemic arterial blood pressure is elevated.

Current Knowledge

More than 90% of hypertension is “essential” or “primary,” with no associated medical cause. “Secondary hypertension” is the result of the presence of other conditions such as kidney disease or certain rare tumors. Persistent hypertension is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, chronic renal failure, and premature death. Acute elevations of blood pressure may cause hemorrhagic strokes or other neurologic syndromes. Dietary salt reduction, weight loss, and increased exercise can be effective in reducing elevated blood pressure and maintaining it at normal levels. Treatment often consists of the systematic and consistent use of select medications, of which there are many. Diuretics, vasodilators, beta-blockers, alpha-adrenergic antagonists,...