Essential hypertension

Alternative names:

hypertension - essential

Treatment:

Medications include diuretics, potassium replacements, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors; hydralazine, diazoxide, and nitroprusside (if acute).

Have your blood pressure checked at regular intervals (as recommended by you health care provider). Change your lifestyle with weight loss, exercise, and dietary adjustments.

Expectations (prognosis):

Essential hypertension is controllable with proper treatment. It requires lifelong monitoring, and treatment may require adjustments periodically.

Complications:

Untreated hypertension can lead to:

• heart attacks (myocardial infarction)
• congestive heart failure
• other heart damage
• blood vessel damage (arteriosclerosis)
• kidney damage
• stroke
• loss of vision

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you suspect you may have hypertension.

Call your health care provider if you have hypertension and symptoms develop.