10 Questions
What is the definition of hypertension in adults?
Sustained systolic blood pressure of 140 mmhg or greater and/or a sustained diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmhg or greater
What is the difference between diastolic and systolic pressures called?
Pulse pressure
What percentage of hypertension cases are due to primary/essential hypertension?
90%
What type of hypertension is always due to an underlying cause?
Secondary hypertension
What is the definition of mean arterial pressure?
The sum of the diastolic pressure plus one-third the pulse pressure
What type of hypertension has a genetic link and is often associated with cardiovascular risk factors?
Primary/essential hypertension
What is systolic pressure?
The force that the blood exerts on the artery walls as the heart contracts to pump the blood to the peripheral organs
What is diastolic pressure?
The residual pressure exerted on the arteries as the heart relaxes
What are the common symptoms of secondary hypertension?
Severe symptoms that appear early
What is the outcome of treating the underlying cause of secondary hypertension?
Cure in some cases
Study Notes
Definition and Measurement of Hypertension
- Hypertension is an abnormal elevation in arterial pressure that can be fatal if sustained and untreated.
- Blood pressure is the product of cardiac output and peripheral resistance, dependent on the heart, vasculature, autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, and kidneys.
- Hypertension in adults is defined as a sustained systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or greater and/or a sustained diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or greater.
Components of Blood Pressure
- Systolic pressure is the force exerted on artery walls as the heart contracts to pump blood to peripheral organs.
- Diastolic pressure is the residual pressure exerted on arteries as the heart relaxes.
- Pulse pressure is the difference between diastolic and systolic pressures.
- Mean arterial pressure is roughly defined as the sum of diastolic pressure plus one-third the pulse pressure.
Types of Hypertension
Primary/Essential/Idiopathic Hypertension
- Accounts for about 90% of all cases of hypertension with no readily identifiable cause.
- Has a genetic link and is often associated with cardiovascular risk factors, smoking, obesity, lipid problems, and diabetes.
Secondary Hypertension
- Always due to an underlying cause such as intrinsic renal diseases, renovascular disease, pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, thyroid or parathyroid disease, heavy alcohol consumption, chronic corticosteroid therapy, chronic NSAIDs therapy, or long-term oral contraceptive use.
- Symptoms appear earlier and are more severe compared to primary/essential hypertension.
- Many patients can be cured after treatment of the underlying cause.
Learn about hypertension, a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure, and its connection to cardiac output, peripheral resistance, and other bodily systems.
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