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Essential hypertension

Hypertension is one of the most common medical conditions encountered in the developed world. Whilst there is a degree of normal variation in blood pressure according to the time of day and whether we are exerting ourselves hypertension describes a chronically raised blood pressure. The main relevance of hypertension lies in the fact that it is an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease such as ischaemic heart disease and stroke. Unless the blood pressure is very high it is unusual for patients to experience any symptoms.

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 Advances in pathogenesis and treatment of essential hypertension

Essential hypertension accounts for more than 90% of all hypertensive patients, but the exact underlying mechanisms remain ambiguous. The present treatment of essential hypertension mainly based on long-term BP control but not curing the disease, which relies a lot on the patient’s financial status and adherence to treatment. The most commonly applied method of controlling hypertension is pharmacological treatment based on lifestyle intervention. The three main antihypertensive medication are renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, calcium channel antagonists and diuretics, from which a variety of single-pill combinations have been derived.

 High Blood Pressure Is a ‘Silent Killer’ That Affects One in Three People, WHO Says

But nearly half of those living with the condition don’t know they have it, according to the organization’s first report on hypertension.

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Choice of drug therapy in primary (essential) hypertension

The three primary options for antihypertensive drug therapy in most patients include an ACE inhibitor (or ARB), a calcium channel blocker, or a thiazide diuretic (preferably a thiazide-like diuretic).

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Essential Hypertension

Essential hypertension remains a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) despite important advances in our understanding of its pathophysiology and the availability of effective treatment strategies. High blood pressure (BP) increases the risk of CVD for millions of people worldwide, and there is evidence that the problem is only getting worse.

Essential Hypertension: An Approach to Its Etiology and Neurogenic Pathophysiology

Essential hypertension, a rise in blood pressure of undetermined cause, includes 90% of all hypertensive cases and is a highly important public health challenge that remains, however, a major modifiable cause of morbidity and mortality.

Guideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults

In this guideline, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides the most current and relevant evidence-based global public health guidance on the initiation of treatment with pharmacological agents for hypertension in adults. The recommendations target adult, non-pregnant patients who were appropriately diagnosed with hypertension and counselled about life-style modifications.

Home truths about high blood pressure

Like many people for whom diet and weight do not appear to be significant factors, I have long suspected my hypertension has both a genetic and an emotional component.

Hypertension: A Growing But Often Hidden Problem

Obesity is partly to blame for the epidemic of high blood pressure in the United States, but not entirely. Alcohol and smoking also add to the problem. Some people have inherited the condition. The main problem is metabolic syndrome, says Dr. Kathy Hebert, the director of disease management and outcome research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Just the ‘Essentials’ on: Essential (Primary) Hypertension

Most cases of hypertension are cases of essential hypertension. Individuals having essential hypertension do not exhibit identifiable causes such as kidney disease. Secondary hypertension is the other type of hypertension, and this is when an obvious cause of the high blood pressure can be identified. Such causes include renovascular disease, renal failure, pheochromocytoma, aldosteronism and others.

The pathophysiology of hypertension

There is still much uncertainty about the pathophysiology of hypertension. A small number of patients (between 2% and 5%) have an underlying renal or adrenal disease as the cause for their raised blood pressure. In the remainder, however, no clear single identifiable cause is found and their condition is labelled “essential hypertension”.

Why Hypertension Is More Deadly Than It Has to Be

“The vast majority of patients can be managed with lifestyle changes and very inexpensive and well-tolerated medications,” says Mariell Jessup, chief science and medical officer of the American Heart Association.

Resources

StatPearls

The current definition of hypertension (HTN) is systolic blood pressure (SBP) values of 130 mm Hg or more and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of more than 80 mm Hg. Hypertension ranks among the most common chronic medical condition characterized by a persistent elevation in arterial pressure. Hypertension has been among the most studied topics of the previous century and has been one of the most significant comorbidities contributing to the development of stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and renal failure.