Definition
An increase in blood pressure; can be systemic, or pulmonary.
Our point of interest in this article is systemic hypertension.
- Blood pressure above 140/90mmHg
- Can be primary (essential) or secondary
Primary hypertension
Hypertension of an unknown source; risk factors include age, sex, race, smoking, obesity, etc.
- Most cases of HTN are primary.
- Sometimes referred to as essential hypertension -- in the past, it was believed that an increase in blood pressure is an essential part of aging