Chapter 119: Hypertension

DEFINITION

Chronic elevation in blood pressure (bp), as defined by 2017 Hypertension Guidelines (Table 119-1). Hypertension is major contributor to cardiovascular diseases and complications; etiology is unknown in 80–95% of pts (“essential hypertension”). Always consider a secondary correctable form of hypertension, especially in pts aged ≤30 or those who become hypertensive after 55. Isolated systolic hypertension (systolic ≥140, diastolic <90) most common in elderly pts, due to reduced vascular compliance.

TABLE 119-1: Definition of Hypertension
CATEGORY	SYSTOLIC PRESSURE (mmHg)		DIASTOLIC PRESSURE (mmHg)
Normal	<120	and	<80
Elevated	120−129	and	<80
Stage 1 Hypertension	130−139	or	80−89
Stage 2 Hypertension	≥140	or	≥90

Source: Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al: 2017 Guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults. J Am Coll Cardiol 71:e127−e248, 2018.

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