Chronic hypertension definition
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Hypertension Main page |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Yazan Daaboul, Serge Korjian
Overview
Arterial blood pressure (BP) is a measure of the force exerted by the blood on the arterial walls. It is the function of both the cardiac output (CO) and the systemic vascular resistance (SVR). The maintenance of a normal blood pressure value is crucial to ensure appropriate blood circulation throughout the cardiovascular system. Arterial BP is considered one of the most important vital signs in the clinical setting.
Hypertension (HTN) is generally defined as an elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg at each of two or more visits.[1] However, target BP values are set at a lower threshold in specific populations, such as diabetics and subjects with significant proteinuria and other renal diseases.
References
- ↑ Cuddy ML (2005). "Treatment of hypertension: guidelines from JNC 7 (the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure 1)". J Pract Nurs. 55 (4): 17–21, quiz 22-3. PMID 16512265.