Hypertension also known as high blood pressure (HBP) is a very common condition and an important risk factor for the future development of cardiovascular disease. It can be defined as a disturbance in the circulatory function associated with a persistent elevation of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) above normal or to a level likely to lead to adverse consequences.
The actual level of pressure that can be considered hypertensive is difficult to define; it depends on a number of factors, including the patient’s age, sex, race, and lifestyle. As a working definition, many cardiovascular treatment centres consider that a systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 90 mm Hg represents hypertension.
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There are two broad classifications of hypertension based on aetiology
Primary or essential hypertension occurs when the cause is not identifiable. Patients with secondary hypertension have identifiable pathology responsible for their chronically elevated blood pressure (BP).
Other types of hypertension include: white-coat hypertension, resistant hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, and hypertensive crisis
Read Also: Understanding the Various Types of Hypertension
The cause of 90 – 95 % cases of hypertension (essential hypertension) is unknown. The remaining 5 – 10 % of cases is secondary to some other disease conditions. Such causes include:
Other cardiovascular risk factors include smoking, alcoholism and some drugs.
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Hypertension is asymptomatic in most cases and is often, therefore, an incidental finding when patients present with unrelated conditions or may be identified during a cardiovascular risk assessment. Patients with secondary hypertension may have symptoms of the underlying disorder. For example, patients with pheochromocytoma may have
Patients with Cushing syndrome in addition to classic features (moon face, buffalo hump, and hirsutism) may have
In primary aldosteronism, hypokalemic symptoms of muscle cramps and weakness may be present.
The table below defines blood pressure readings for adults (age 18 years and older)
| Classification | Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) | Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) |
| Normal | <120 | and <80 |
| Prehypertension | 120–139 | or 80–89 |
| Stage 1 hypertension | 140–159 | or 90–99 |
| Stage 2 hypertension | ≥160 | or ≥100 |
Note: If systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure are in different categories, the overall classification is determined based on the higher of the two blood pressure categories.
Hypertension is treated with both lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy. The overall goal in the management of hypertension is to reduce associated morbidity and mortality (also called cardiovascular or CV events) by the least intrusive means possible.
Most patients with hypertension including those with diabetes or chronic kidney disease (CKD) under age 60 years have recommended BP goal of less than 140/90 mm Hg. Lower goals may be an option in certain populations. Elderly patients (age > 60 years) have a BP goal of less than 150/90 mm Hg.
The JNC-8 is considered the “gold standard” consensus guidelines for the management of hypertension in the United States.
Read Also: Nonpharmacologic approach/ Nondrug approach of managing hypertension
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