Condition
Hypertension
Hypertension is chronically elevated arterial blood pressure. It is among the most prevalent modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular and kidney disease and often co-occurs with insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia.
Definitions (ACC/AHA, 2017)
- Normal: < 120/80 mmHg.
- Elevated: 120–129 / < 80.
- Stage 1: 130–139 / 80–89.
- Stage 2: ≥ 140 / ≥ 90.
Diagnosis should be based on properly measured readings on multiple occasions, with consideration of out-of-office measurement.
Why it matters
Long-term elevated blood pressure damages arteries, the heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain. Lowering blood pressure in people at risk reduces cardiovascular events and mortality.
Approach
Treatment combines lifestyle (DASH-style diet, sodium reduction, physical activity, weight management, alcohol moderation, sleep apnea treatment) with antihypertensive medications when indicated. Selection is individualized.