and hypertensive heart disease

Chapter 41 Hypertension and hypertensive heart disease




Pathological increases in blood pressure can affect the systemic or pulmonary circulation and may be seen in the arteries or veins. Hypertension of the systemic arteries is covered here. It is a common health problem and is a risk factor for diseases that include atheroma, heart failure, aortic dissection and renal failure. Studies have shown that the risk of these complications increases as the blood pressure rises, and that antihypertensive treatment reduces the morbidity and mortality.


The definition of high blood pressure is arbitrary in that blood pressure exhibits a Gaussian distribution so there is no clear boundary between hypertension and normal blood pressure. In general, hypertension is commonly defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140mmHg or greater or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or greater.


If untreated, hypertension can progress to malignant hypertension, which is defined as markedly elevated blood pressure (diastolic pressure usually >120mmHg). It is associated with rapid progression of target organ disease (e.g. renal failure and retinal damage).




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Jul 3, 2016 | Posted by in MUSCULOSKELETAL MEDICINE | Comments Off on and hypertensive heart disease

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