Hypertension and Hypertensive Heart Disease

Abstract

Blood pressure in excess of 140/90 mm Hg is the accepted criterion for the diagnosis of hypertension. At first, this definition may appear somewhat arbitrary because of fluctuations of readings even in “normal” persons. Yet, persistent readings of 140/90 or more are associated with increased risk and this is therefore an acceptable cut-off point. So-called “labile hypertension” describes the condition in which blood pressure readings are occasionally greater than 90 mm Hg. Because of the natural variability in pressures, and uncertainty as to whether such individuals eventually become permanently hypertensive, they should be labeled “borderline hypertensive” and have readings checked annually. Diastolic blood pressure of 90 to 104 mm Hg is regarded as mild, 105 to 114 as moderate, and 115 or more, as severe hypertension.