Hypertension
March 28th, 2020
Overview
Hypertension refers to a persistent elevation in blood pressure. This may be primary and of unknown aetiology, or secondary to a process that raises the blood pressure.
Classification
- Normal <120/80
- Pre-hypertension 120/80 - 139/89
- Stage I hypertension 140/90 - 159/99
- Stage II hypertension >160/100
Causes of Hypertension
Primary
- Essential hypertension: unknown aetiologyThe most common cause of hypertension
Secondary
- Chronic kidney disease
- Renal artery stenosis - fibromuscular dysplasia, atherosclerosis
- Endocrine - hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, primary aldosteronism, phaeochromocytoma, hyperparathyroidism
- Drugs - NSAIDs, amphetamines, glucocorticoids, fludrocortisone, erythropoietin, VEGF inhibitors, calcineurin inhibitors
- Aortic coarctation
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
Factitious
- White coat hypertension: due to by anxiety in a healthcare setting
- Recent exercise or caffeine intake
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