This document discusses hypertension (high blood pressure). It defines hypertension as persistently raised blood pressure and notes its symptoms can include headaches, vision problems, and chest pain. The pathophysiology of hypertension is complex and involves multiple factors affecting cardiac and vascular systems. Essential (primary) hypertension accounts for 95% of cases and has no identifiable secondary cause, while secondary hypertension is caused by conditions like chronic kidney disease or adrenal gland tumors. New guidelines recommend treating high blood pressure earlier and at lower thresholds to prevent cardiovascular events. Risk factors include diet, physical inactivity, obesity, alcohol, genetics and lifestyle factors. Treatment involves lifestyle changes like following the DASH diet and medication classes like diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and calcium