Hypertension

Hypertension is a disease state characterized by increased blood pressure associated with hemodynamic abnormalities including systemic vascular resistance and altered cardiac output. An elevated arterial blood pressure (Hypertension) is probably the most important public health problem in developed countries (Fisher and Williams 2005)2. Hypertension is not simply a disease but rather a complex inherited syndrome of cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertension is a chronic condition of concern due to its role in the causation of congestive heart disease, stroke and other vascular complications. It is the commonest cardiovascular disorder posing a major public health challenge to population in socioeconomic and epidemiological transition. It is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular mortality, which accounts for 20-50 % of all death.

Autorentext

Teena Sogan, Professora de Medicina, Departamento de Fisiologia, Sob as Faculdades da Universidade de Ciências da Saúde de Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Índia