Hypertension Medicine

DESCRIPTION Hypertension is defined as a sustained elevated blood pressure (systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or greater). Also conceptually includes the blood pressure level at which the benefits of action exceed those of inaction. hypertension is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
"Essential" hypertension has no identifiable cause. It may have genetic factors and environmental factors, such as salt intake or others. Essential hypertension comprises over 95% of all high blood pressure.
"Secondary" hypertension is high blood pressure caused by another disorder. This may include:
Adrenal gland tumors
Cushing's syndrome
Kidney disorders
Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of kidneys)
Renal vascular obstruction or narrowing
Renal failure
Use of medications, drugs, or other chemicals
Oral contraceptives
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome
Henoch-Schonlein purpura
Periarteritis nodosa
Radiation enteritis
Retroperitoneal fibrosis
Wilms' tumor
Other disorders
SYNONYMS
Benign hypertension
Idiopathic hypertension
Familial hypertension
High blood pressure (HBP)
Chronic hypertension
Genetic hypertension
SYMPTOMS
Hypertension should be considered asymptomatic except in extremes or after related cardiovascular complications develop
Headache can be seen especially with higher blood pressure. This is often present on awakening and occipital in nature
Retinopathy - narrowed arteries, AV nicking, copper or silver wiring of retinal arterioles
Increased A2 heart sound
If hypertension is severe, may have:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Tinnitus (ear noises)
Extremity numbness
Tiredness
Confusion
Vision changes
Nausea, vomiting
Excessive perspiration
Muscle tremors
Angina-like pain: crushing substernal chest pain
Heart failure
Blood in urine