Classification Essential (Primary) Hypertension (95%) - "idiopathic" i.e. cause not known Secondary Hypertension (5%) - high blood pressure due to other illnesses such as: renal disease, endocrine disease, cardiovascular disease, neurologic disease, fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) Malignant (Accelerated) Hypertension : A medical emergency - Sudden, rapid rise in blood pressure that can lead to death if not treated. Hypertensive Urgency : BP greater than 180 systolic OR 110 diastolic and no signs of organ damage Hypertensive Emergency : BP greater than 180 systolic or 120 diastolic signs of organ damage e.g. hypertensive retinopathy (papilledema, retinal hemorrhages) Diagnosis Stages of hypertension Prehypertension: 120-139 / 80-89 Hypertension: BP above or equal to 140 / 90 Stage 1 Hypertension: 140-159 / 90-99 Stage 2 Hypertension: 160 + / 100 + Isolated Systolic Hypertension: 160+ systolic Hypertensive Crisis: 180+ / 110+ Management Links N...