DEFINITION: Persistent increase in systemic arterial blood pressure. CLINICAL DEFINITION: When systolic B.P rises above 130mmHg and diastolic B.P above 85. (reference: Silver-thorn) Dont declare a person as hypertensive on 1st clinical reading! (white coat hypertension) but on at least 3 readings at different timings & in different postures; preferably B.P chart should be maintained at home by different persons thrice or at least twice a day, before labeling the patient !
TYPES OF HYPERTENSION:
PRIMARY / ESSENTIAL SECONDARY PRIMARY HYPERTENSION: Hypertension is of unknown origin. Strong hereditary tendency. Excess wt gain (65-70% risk, prolong QT interval in obese) & sedentary life style may play a major role. (C.O, Symp activity, AngII & Aldost increased & renal natriuresis impaired unless art. Pr is high or renal func is improved). PRIMARY HYPERTENSION TYPES: BENIGN & MALIGNANT / ACCELERATED.
SECONDARY HYPERTENSION:
Due to some underlying disease. Subtypes: CADIOVASCULAR HYPERTENSION ENDOCRINE HYPERTENSION RENAL HYPERTENSION NEUROGENIC HYPERTENSION HYPERTENSION DURING PREGNANCY
NEUROGENIC HYPERTENSION:
CAUSE: Strong sympathetic stimulation (excitement, anxiety) excessive symp. Stimulation peripheral V.C ACUTE HYPERTENSION ACUTE NEUROGENIC HYPERTENSION CAUSED BY SECTION OF BARORECEPTOR NERVES (buffer nerves): ;loss of normal inhibitory effect on VMC extreme activation of VMC MEAN ART. Pr 100 160 mmHg pr normal in 2 days due to resetting of receptors (response of VMC to absent baroreceptor signal fades away).
TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION:
LIFE STYLE MODIFICATION: Increased physical activity (20 min walk or yoga mudra) Wt reduction (avoid saturated fat) Salt & water restriction Quit smoking Avoid tension (dont jump out of bed, dont answer door bell or telephone call at the 1st bell!!) Antihypertensive drugs: Vasodilators Diuretics or natriuretics