Primary hypertension
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis

Hypertension can be classified by stage (stage 1 and stage 2) and, when combined with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, the stage can help determine treatment. Lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of therapy with pharmacologic intervention required in some patients to meet target blood pressure measurements.
Systolic and diastolic hypertension are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Blood pressure greater than 180/110-120 mm Hg can be a sign of acute severe hypertension and may require emergency therapy.
Codes
ICD10CM:I10 – Essential (primary) hypertension
SNOMEDCT:
1201005 – Benign Essential Hypertension
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Chronic kidney disease
- Renal artery stenosis
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Cushing syndrome
- Pheochromocytoma
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Hyperthyroidism
- Drug-induced hypertension (amphetamines, cocaine, oral contraceptives, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, corticosteroids)
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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References
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Last Reviewed:03/20/2018
Last Updated:02/17/2020
Last Updated:02/17/2020