Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is chronically elevated. While it is formally called arterial hypertension, the word "hypertension" without a qualifier usually refers to arterial hypertension.

Definition

Blood pressure is a continuous variable, and risks of various adverse outcomes rise with it. A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is defined as "normal." Hypertension is usually diagnosed on finding blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg measured on both arms on three occasions over a few weeks. Recently, the JNC VII (The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure) has defined blood pressure over 120/80 mmHg and below 140/90 mmHg as "pre-hypertension". "Prehypertension is not a disease category. Rather, it is a designation chosen to identify individuals at high risk of developing hypertension (JNC VII)."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In patients with diabetes mellitus or kidney disease studies have shown that blood pressure over 130/80 mmHg should be considered a risk factor and may warrant treatment.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~