The silent killer

Hypertension

Definition Systolic blood pressure > 120 mmHg.

Diastolic blood pressure > 80 mmHg.

Prevalence One of the most common disease.

There is a genetic factor for its occurrence.

Increase with age.

More common in some racial group.

Dietary habits affect its prevalence.

Stressful life styles increase its prevalence.

Classification Primary or essential.

Secondary.

- Reno vascular hypertension.

- Endocrine.

- Gestational Hypertension.

Staging Mild: Systolic blood pressure below 140 mmHg.

Moderate: Systolic blood pressure 140-159 mmHg.

Severe: Systolic blood pressure more than 160 mmHg.

Malignant: Systolic blood pressure more than 160 mmHg, associated with neurologic complications.

Isolated systolic hypertension: In elderly.

symptoms None.

Headache.

Blurred vision.

Nausea and vomiting.

Tinnitus.

Investigations Non specific:

- ECG.

- Chest x-ray

- Renal function tests

Specific: towards the secondary cause of Hypertension.

Complications Cerebrovascular disease: sudden death, neurologic

deficits.

Cardiovascular disease: MI, heart failure.

Reno vascular disease: CRF.

Management Change life style.

Change your dietary habits.

Commence drugs as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not change the drug regimen without consult your doctor.

Prevention Early detection and good control of hypertension are

approved to prevent all complications of this insidious disease,

“ the silent killer”

Thank you for your attention