Hypertension

Hypertension: 140/90 on 2 consecutive visits 2 weeks apart.
I. Primary (essential)
II. Secondary (exogenous substances, renal failure, sleep apnea, renovascular disease, primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, Cushing syndrome)

History suggesting Secondary causes:
  • Onset of HTN befor 20 y.o. or after 50 y.o.
  • hx of tachycardia, sweating, headache
  • personal or family hx of renal disease
  • HTN that is resistant (in a compliant patient)
  • symptoms indicating sleep apnea
  • drug use: amphetamine, cocaine, alcohol abuse
  • medication use: oral contraceptives, estrogens, corticosteroids, NSAIDs
  • hx of hirsutism or easy bruising
Physical examination:
-elvated BP (2 consecutive visits 2 weeks apart);
exceptions:
-if SBP is 210 or more or
-a DBP 120 or more or
-end-organ damage.
 
Diagnostic evaluation:
CBC, fasting serum glucose, K+, serum creatinine, UA, lipid profile, Calcium (with albumin), uric acid.  ECG, chest xray, ambulatory BP (for patient with white-coat HTN), serum TSH.
 
 

 

 

 

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