Hypertension (definition, reasons, complication)

1. Big picture

Hypertension is one of the most important modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Most patients are asymptomatic for years, but the disease silently damages the heart, brain, kidneys, retina, and arteries. In the exam, hypertension is usually tested through three questions:

1. How do you define and confirm hypertension?
2. What are the causes, especially secondary hypertension?
3. What complications occur and how do you manage hypertensive emergency?

Think of hypertension as:

High pressure → endothelial injury + vascular remodeling → atherosclerosis + target-organ damage.

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