Essential hypertension

MeSH: Hypertension
ICD-11: Hypertensive diseases 

Essential hypertension refers to hypertension which is not caused by any known diseases (e.g. Glomerulonephritis).
This is one of the most common diseases in elderly patients.

 

Pathophysiology

The underlying mechanism behind this disease is unknown, but it becomes more prevalent with advanced age. It appears to reflect a gradual decline in the body's ability to self-regulate the blood pressure at an appropriate 'setting'.

 

Complications

Acute

• Cerebrovascular accident
• Hypertensive emergency

Chronic

• Hypertensive heart disease
• Hypertensive kidney disease
• Hypertensive retinopathy