Hypertension (HTN) is defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg.  It is usually detected during the screening of an asymptomatic individual, but the diagnosis is based on persistent elevation of blood pressure after an average of 2 or more blood pressure measurements taken during 2 or more health care visits.  Hypertension is classified as either primary (or essential) when the etiology cannot be identified; or secondary, when the etiology (e.g., hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, renal artery stenosis) is known.  The presence of diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, excessive sodium intake, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing essential hypertension.  Lifestyle modifications such as weight reduction, reduction in alcohol consumption, exercises, and reduction in salt intake are recommended to all patients in addition to pharmacological therapy, when required.
Chronic hypertension
Hypertensive heart disease
Paroxysmal hypertension
Systolic hypertension
Malignant hypertension
Hypertension
Diabetes mellitus
Obesity