Essential Hypertension and Vascular Changes

A sustained diastolic pressure greater than 90 mmHg or a sustained systolic pressure greater than 140 mmHg (>140/90).

Hypertension that develops without a known underlying medical cause. It's the most common type.

Hypertension that occurs as a result of another medical condition. It accounts for a smaller percentage.

A medical condition affecting the kidneys that can cause secondary hypertension. Examples include glomerulonephritis, renal artery stenosis, or polycystic kidney disease.

Disorders affecting the adrenal glands, such as Cushing syndrome, primary aldosteronism, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia, that can lead to secondary hypertension.

A risk factor for hypertension associated with familial predisposition. It suggests a genetic component.

A risk factor for hypertension. Men and postmenopausal women are more likely to develop hypertension.

A risk factor for hypertension. Older individuals are more likely to develop hypertension.

A protein hormone secreted by the heart's atria, it acts as a powerful vasodilator, helping regulate blood volume, sodium, potassium and fat levels in the body. It is released in response to high blood volume, promoting the removal of excess water, sodium and fat from the circulatory system, ultimately lowering blood pressure.

The process of ANP reducing blood pressure by decreasing sodium reabsorption and increasing water loss in the kidneys, inhibiting renin secretion, and ultimately reducing aldosterone secretion.

ANP's action in the adrenal glands involves reducing the secretion of aldosterone, a hormone that promotes sodium and water retention.

ANP directly promotes vasodilation, or widening of blood vessels, in the arterioles, leading to decreased resistance to blood flow and lower blood pressure.

ANP increases the release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue, contributing to the overall reduction of blood pressure.

Longstanding, poorly controlled hypertension can lead to left-sided hypertrophy, also known as hypertensive cardiomyopathy, where the left ventricle of the heart thickens due to the increased workload.

A serious complication of hypertension that involves a tear in the inner lining of the aorta, the body's main artery. It can lead to severe internal bleeding and is often fatal.

The process of blood vessels in the eye being damaged due to long-term hypertension, causing changes that can impair vision.

High blood pressure (HTN) puts extra strain on the heart, causing the left ventricle to thicken and enlarge, leading to an increase in the weight and thickness of the heart muscle.

Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis, where the inner lining of arteries (intima) gets thicker and harder due to plaque buildup, which is mainly composed of fats and cholesterol.

In hypertension, small blood vessels (arterioles) can be affected by 'hyaline arteriolosclerosis' which is a thickening of the vessel walls due to protein buildup, narrowing the lumen. This is often seen in mild hypertension and elderly patients.

'Hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis' is more severe involving layers of thickened vessel walls, obstructing the lumen. It's characteristic of malignant hypertension and often involves inflammation.

In atherosclerosis, LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) carries cholesterol to the peripheral tissues, and its build-up contributes to plaque formation inside the arteries.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process in the arteries. Plaque buildup leads to inflammation and damage, contributing to the hardening and narrowing of arteries.

Essential hypertension is a condition where the balance between the heart's pumping strength (cardiac output) and the resistance in blood vessels (peripheral resistance) gets messed up. This leads to higher blood pressure.

Many factors, both genetic and environmental, play a role in developing essential hypertension. These factors ultimately lead to an increase in either the heart's pumping force or the resistance in blood vessels, or both.

A faulty renal sodium homeostasis system is a common trigger for essential hypertension. This means the kidneys are not eliminating enough sodium, which makes the body hold onto more water and increases the blood volume, leading to higher pressure.

Problems with sodium and calcium transport in the cell membranes can disrupt renal sodium homeostasis, leading to increased blood volume and pressure.

An overactive sympathetic nervous system can trigger constriction of blood vessels, increasing resistance and blood pressure. This is another key factor contributing to essential hypertension.

Anatomical defects in the smooth muscle of blood vessels can lead to increased resistance and pressure. This adds to the overall problem of essential hypertension.

Rare genetic disorders can cause essential hypertension by making the kidneys reabsorb too much sodium and water. This leads to increased blood volume and high pressure.

Liddle syndrome is a rare inherited condition causing essential hypertension. It's caused by faulty sodium channels in the kidneys, leading to excessive sodium and water retention, which raises blood pressure.