Hypertension
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Hypertension is a large topic. Here is the map:
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Definition and classification
Blood pressure categories, primary versus secondary hypertension, ambulatory and home monitoring. -
Causes and risk factors
Genetics, diet, obesity, alcohol, kidney/endocrine causes, medications, sleep apnea. -
How it causes damage
Effects on the heart, brain, kidneys, retina, and blood vessels. -
Symptoms and warning signs
Why it is often silent, and symptoms that require urgent assessment. -
Diagnosis and evaluation
Correct BP measurement, confirmation, tests for organ damage and secondary causes. -
Treatment targets
Individualized BP goals, including considerations for diabetes, kidney disease, older adults, and pregnancy. -
Lifestyle treatment
Salt reduction, DASH-style eating pattern, weight loss, exercise, alcohol reduction, smoking cessation, sleep. -
Medications
ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium-channel blockers, thiazide-type diuretics, beta-blockers, and add-on drugs. -
Special situations
Resistant hypertension, hypertensive emergency, pregnancy-related hypertension, hypertension in children. -
Complications and prevention
Stroke, heart attack, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and long-term follow-up.
High-level overview: Hypertension means persistently elevated arterial blood pressure. It usually has no symptoms but gradually increases the risk of stroke, coronary disease, heart failure, kidney disease, visual damage, and vascular dementia. Diagnosis should be based on properly performed repeated office measurements or validated home/ambulatory readings, rather than one isolated high reading.
Management combines lifestyle changes with medications when blood pressure remains elevated or cardiovascular risk is high. Do not stop or alter prescribed medicines without a clinician’s advice.
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