Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg or a diastolic pressure greater than 90 mmHg based on multiple measurements over multiple visits. Hypertension can result from increased cardiac output, increased peripheral resistance, or both. The causes of hypertension include increased sympathetic nervous system activity, increased renal sodium reabsorption, increased activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, decreased vasodilation, and resistance to insulin action. Risk factors include family history and lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, obesity, and smoking.

1. HYPERTENSION
A systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg and
the diastolic pressure greater than 90 mmHg based on
the average of two or more accurate blood pressure
measurements taken during two or more compacts with
the health care provider.

2. Pathophysiology
• Hypertension can result from;
 An increase in cardiac output
An increase in peripheral resistance (constriction of blood vessels)
Or both
• For hypertension to occur, there must be a change in one or more
factors affecting peripheral resistance or cardiac output
• A problem with the body’s control systems that monitor or regulate
pressure

3. Causes
• Increased sympathetic nervous system activity related to dysfunction
of autonomic nervous system
• Increased renal reabsorption of sodium, chloride, and water related
to genetic variation in the pathways by which the kidneys handle
sodium
• Increased activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
resulting in expansion of extracellular fluid volume and systemic
vascular resistance

4. Cont…
• Decreased vasodilation of the arterioles related to dysfunction of
vascular endothelium
• Resistance to insulin action which maybe a common factor linking
hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, obesity,
and glucose intolerance

5. Risk factors
• Family history
• Life style (sedentarily, obesity, smoking etc)
•