Overview
Hypertension usually causes no symptoms.
When to get urgent help
Seek help for very high readings with symptoms.
Causes and risk factors
Age, salt, obesity, inactivity, genetics.
How it develops (pathophysiology)
Stiff arteries, salt retention and overactive hormone systems raise pressure.
Signs and symptoms
Usually none.
How it is diagnosed
Repeated readings.
Possible complications
Stroke and heart attack.
Medicines
ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers.
Other treatments
Less salt, exercise.
Living with it and prevention
Healthy lifestyle.
Outlook
Controllable.
