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Essential Hypertension

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Definition & SymptomsCauses & Risk FactorsTests & DiagnosticsTreatmentsComplicationsPrevention

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Definition

Essential hypertension refers to high blood pressure with no identifiable cause.

Symptoms

Usually, high blood pressure has no symptoms at all. That is why it is often called the "silent killer." Millions of people have high blood pressure and many do not even know they have this serious condition.

Rarely, you may experience a mild headache when your blood pressure is elevated. If your headache is severe, or if you experience any of the symptoms below, you must be seen right away because these may be a sign of dangerously high blood pressure (called malignant hypertension) or a serious complication (like a heart attack).

Note: There are usually no symptoms.

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High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure. Blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and usually given as two numbers. For example, 120 over 80 (written as 120/80 mmHg. The top number is your systoli...  More »
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Headache
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are extremely rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax, and occasionally by taking medicatio...  More »
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