Special features

Hypertension — clinical features and investigations

By Martin Thomas, BSc (hons), BM, MRCP

Hypertension is one of the most common diseases in the world and is an important risk factor for coronary events. This article, the first in a special feature, will describe the current classification of hypertension, its clinical features and the role of lifestyle modifications in treating the disease

This article as a PDF (80K)

Martin Thomas is senior registrar, advanced heart failure and cardiac transplant centre, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia

Pasieka/SPL

Hypertension

SUMMARY

Hypertension is one of the most common diseases in the world, affecting an estimated 20 per cent of the adult population. It is associated with marked morbidity and mortality and places a high burden on health care systems.

Hypertension is the most important single, modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke and end-stage renal disease. However, early recognition and implementation of effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies allows for early modification of cardiovascular risk.

Full text article PDF (80K)