Hypertension

Hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently too high. It affects the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels. High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to serious health problems over time. These problems include heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage. Often called the “silent killer,” it usually has no symptoms but can cause significant damage if untreated. Managing blood pressure is important to reduce the risk of these complications.

Hypertension is defined as a chronic condition characterized by persistently elevated arterial blood pressure, typically with a systolic pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic pressure ≥90 mm Hg on repeated measurements. The core pathology involves increased systemic vascular resistance and/or increased cardiac output. Primary (essential) hypertension, the most common form, results from complex interactions of genetic and environmental factors leading to dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), sympathetic nervous system overactivity, and endothelial dysfunction. Secondary hypertension arises from identifiable causes such as renal disease, endocrine disorders, or medication effects. The major clinical significance lies in its role as a leading risk factor for atherosclerosis, heart failure, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.