High Blood Pressure

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a complication of many disorders and may occur as an isolated disorder with no known cause (primary hypertension). Since the condition is predominantly asymptomatic, the diagnosis is usually made during routine medical examinations or when a hypertension-associated complication arises. Adults are advised to have their blood pressure checked every five years. Patients diagnosed with hypertension can measure their blood pressures themselves with various commercially available semi-automatic devices.

Since hypertension affects the integrity of blood vessels, its effects on various organs can be clinically detected. Some common disorders associated with hypertension include stroke, coronary artery disease – a common cause of associated morbidity and mortality – and aortic aneurysms. Chronic hypertension is a major risk factor associated with progressive renal failure. As the small capillaries of the kidneys are damaged, body proteins that are normally not filtered begin to appear in the urine. Most people with hypertension require lifelong treatment. However, with proper management, the adverse effects of hypertension can be minimized.