Essential Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Description
Elevated blood pressure without a known cause. It occurs when the systolic pressure is consistently over 140 mm Hg, or the diastolic blood pressure is consistently over 90 mm Hg. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood pumped, by the actions of the heart, and by the size and condition of the arteries. Untreated high blood pressure can cause narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and result in heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
Symptoms
Usually no symptoms, fatigue, mild headache.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Serial blood pressure checks will be done to confirm diagnosis. Other tests to rule out other causes of hypertension may be done.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- UA
- X-Ray
- EKG
Treatment
Treatment includes: antihypertensive medications, dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and exercise.
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