Hypertension defined is a subject of variety because people define it differently. Generally, it is defined as high blood pressure throughout the body. More specifically, it is defined by three different stages being pre-hypertension, stage I hypertension and stage II hypertension. Pre-hypertension defined is numerically defined as having a blood pressure of 120-139 systolic and 80-89 diastolic.

Stage I hypertension is numerically defined as having a systolic blood pressure as 140-159 and diastolic blood pressure of 90-99. Stage II hypertension defined is having a systolic blood pressure of 160 and above and a diastolic blood pressure above 100. Different treatment options are available depending on which stage of hypertension the patient may be in. Stage II hypertension requires more aggressive treatment and can lead to certain consequences which may relate to the hypertension silent killer. It is referred to the silent killer because more often than not there are no symptoms of hypertension.

Hypertension can lead to numerous consequences if left untreated over time. At the age of 70, almost 90% of the population will have hypertension so it is a common disease that affects almost everybody. It is important to be aware of the disease and treat it accordingly. Hypertension silent killer usually affects every single vessel in the human body so it is only right that it can cause consequences to almost every organ in the body. The main goal of treating hypertension is to avoid organ damage. Untreated hypertension can lead to kidney damage, peripheral artery disease, arteriosclerosis, eye damage, heart attacks and strokes.

There are many classes of medications that are used to treat hypertension. First line treatment options usually include diuretics. After that, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Calcium channel blockers and vasodilators can be used. For stage II hypertension patients, a two drug combination is often initiated as soon as possible due to the risk of the hypertension causing damage. When initiating therapy it is important to continually take the medication and titrate the dose until the correct response is seen.

When taking medication the patient should never abruptly discontinue the medication because it can cause rebound hypertension. Rebound hypertension defined is an abrupt increase in blood pressure due to discontinuance of a medication. This is a dangerous situation because this increase in blood pressure can be dramatic and sudden. It could send the patient into hypertensive crisis or hypertensive emergency which must be treated as soon as possible or could lead to serious damage to organs in the body.

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