Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is frequently asymptomatic but can pose serious health risks when left untreated, potentially leading to complications like stroke, kidney disease, or heart failure. A diagnosis of hypertension is established when resting blood pressure consistently measures above 140/90mmHg, prompting further evaluation.
Assessment of hypertension severity relies on initial clinic or home readings, often complemented by findings from 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Evaluating cardiovascular risk and associated organ damage is crucial, necessitating investigations such as blood tests for renal disease, diabetes, and cholesterol levels, as well as assessments of urinary protein levels, 12-lead ECG, and echocardiography. Certain patients may require testing for rare causes of high blood pressure, including metadrenalines for phaeochromocytoma and renin-aldosterone levels for primary hyperaldosteronism.
Treatment strategies typically begin with rigorous lifestyle modifications, encompassing controlled weight loss, smoking cessation, reduced dietary salt intake, diabetes management, and regular aerobic exercise. However, many patients will require single or combination drug therapies, known as antihypertensives, to effectively control blood pressure and mitigate cardiovascular risk.
