Sustained elevated resting blood pressure: systolic or SBP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic or DBP ≥90 mmHg.
In the vast majority of cases, the triggering cause is unknown; when the origen is diagnosed, hypertension is usually caused by kidney or adrenal disease.
It usually does not manifest itself with symptoms unless it is severe or has been present for years, affecting various organs such as the eyes, heart, kidneys, nervous system, etc.
The diagnosis is made using a device called a sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure; the cuff around the limb must be appropriately sized for the individual. Certain conditions must be met to confirm the diagnosis: blood pressure should be elevated in at least three measurements taken on different days, at different times, in both arms, with the person at rest for at least 5 minutes before the measurement. The diagnosis is made when the resting blood pressure remains elevated: systolic blood pressure or SBP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure or DBP ≥90 mmHg. Tests should then be ordered to determine the cause, assess damage and identify other cardiovascular risk factors.
Treatment involves lifestyle changes: reducing salt and alcohol intake, quitting smoking, exercising, and losing weight. If these measures do not control the condition, or if blood pressure is higher than 160/100 mmHg, antihypertensive medication may be needed.
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- Gijón-Conde T, et al. Documento de la Sociedad Espanola ˜ de Hipertensión-Liga Espanola ˜ para la Lucha contra la Hipertensión Arterial (SEH-LELHA) sobre las guías ACC/AHA 2017 de hipertensión arterial. Hipertens Riesgo Vasc. 2018.
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