Hypertension

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Arterial blood pressure (BP) is a measure of the force exerted by the blood on the arterial walls. It is the function of both the cardiac output (CO) and the systemic vascular resistance (SVR). The maintenance of a normal blood pressure value is crucial to ensure appropriate blood circulation throughout the cardiovascular system. Arterial BP is considered one of the most important vital signs in the clinical setting.

Hypertension (HTN) is generally defined as an elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg.

Classification

Chronic hypertension

Chronic hypertension

Primary hypertension (also known as essential hypertension) (95% of the cases)

Secondary hypertension (5% of the cases)

Hypertensive crisis

Hypertensive crisis Acute elevation of blood pressure - Systolic blood pressure >180 mm Hg, or - Diastolic blood pressure >120 mm Hg

Hypertensive emergency Evidence of end organ damage

Hypertensive urgency No evidence of end organ damage