Snapshot A 45-year-old African American man presents to his primary care physician for an annual wellness exam. He reports to feeling well and has no acute concerns. Medical history is unremarkable. He occasionally drinks a glass of wine every few days and does not smoke cigarettes. He exercises regularly and tries to maintain a healthy diet by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Physical examination is significant for a blood pressure of 155/105 mmHg. In his next two consecutive office visits, his blood pressures are 150/100 mmHg and 146/96 mmHg. He is started on hydrochlorothiazide. Introduction Clinical definition a sustained increased systemic arterial pressure typically defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg OR diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg Epidemiology risk age age-related vascular stiffening is a common cause of isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly race family history physical inactivity obesity excessive alcohol use high-sodium diet Etiology primary (essential) hypertension (accounts for ~95% of cases) idiopathic secondary hypertension renal disease (e.g., fibromuscular dysplasia and renal artery stenosis) pregnancy (e.g., eclampsia) obstructive sleep apnea hyperaldosteronism thyroid disease Pathogenesis background blood pressure is the product of cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance (BP = CO X SVR) cardiac output a function of stroke volume and heart rate sodium homeostasis affects stroke volume (e.g., high sodium diet increases the amount of water retained and thus increasing filling pressure, which determines stroke volume) systemic vascular resistance determined by the neural and hormonal inputs to the arteriole the kidneys, heart, and adrenal glands work together to regulate vascular tone and blood volume kidneys e.g., renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system heart e.g., myocardial natriuretic peptides adrenal glands e.g., aldosterone pathology essential hypertension a multifactorial processed influenced by genetics, the environment, reduced sodium excretion, and vasoconstrictive influences secondary hypertension depends on the underlying etiology e.g., renal artery stenosis decreases the amount of glomerular flow and pressure sensed by the kidneys this upregulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to increase blood pressure Prognosis ↑ risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease Presentation Symptoms asymptomatic most patients are not aware they have hypertension Studies Blood pressure measurements the diagnosis should be based on ≥ 2 blood pressure readings in ≥ 2 visits Pathophysiological changes decreased diastolic filling normal ejection fraction increased renin production Treatment Managment approach in secondary hypertension, it is important to address the underlying problem certain antihypertensive medications are indicated if it addresses a comorbid condition Conservative weight loss indication for all patients exercise indication for all patients dietary modifications indication for all patients Medical first-line treatment options in patients without a specific indication for a particular agent that would address a comorbid condition thiazide diuretics angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors cough is an important side effect angiotensin receptor blockers long-acting calcium channel blocker lower extremity edema is an important side effect Complications Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemic attacks Left ventricular hypertrophy Heart failure Chronic kidney disease Visual disturbances (e.g., retinal hemorrhages and exudates) Peripheral vascular disease Aortic dissection Aortic aneurysm