Hypertension: New Frontiers

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a medical condition characterized by persistently elevated levels of blood pressure in the arteries. It can contribute to the incidence of heart failure, stroke, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, etc. Some people with hypertension experience headaches, lightheadedness, tinnitus, vertigo, fainting episodes or altered vision. Blood pressure rises with age. Several environmental and genetic factors influence blood pressure. 35 genetic loci have been identified so far with an influence on blood pressure. Lack of exercise, obesity, high salt intake and depression contribute to hypertension. Various clinical conditions may also cause hypertension, such as kidney disease, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, Conn's syndrome, renal artery stenosis, etc. Lifestyle changes are considered as effective as antihypertensive medication. Adopting physical exercise regimens, use of stress reduction techniques, dietary changes with increased potassium and low sodium, etc. are some of the changes for the management of this condition. In case of extremely elevated blood pressure, it should be reduced rapidly in order to stop organ damage. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing management strategies for hypertension are examined in detail in this book. In this book, using case studies and examples, constant effort has been made to make the understanding of hypertension as easy and informative as possible, for the readers.