Chronic hypertension physical examination

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Classification Primary Hypertension Secondary Hypertension Hypertensive Emergency Hypertensive Urgency
Screening

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

Physical Examination

The physical examination should look for end organ disease and underlying causes of hypertension.

Appearance

• Obesity may be present which is a risk factor for hypertension

Skin

• Diaphoresis whould suggests a pheochromocytoma

Head

• Moon facies and Hirsutism would suggest Cushing's syndrome

Eyes

• Retinal hemorrhage may be seen in malignant hypertension
• Retinalvenous crossing changes

Neck

• Thyromegaly may be present in the setting of hyperthyroidism

Heart

• S3 and S4 would suggest heart failure

Lung exam

• Rales would suggest heart failure

Abdomen

• A renal bruit suggests the presence of renovascular hypertension