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Systemic hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, leading to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. It is often called a 'silent killer' because it typically has no symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
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Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, crucial for maintaining adequate circulation throughout the body. It is typically expressed as two numbers, systolic and Diastolic Pressures, which represent the pressure during heartbeats and between beats, respectively.
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Cardiovascular disease encompasses a range of heart and blood vessel disorders, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and hypertension, which are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Prevention and management focus on lifestyle modifications, medication, and sometimes surgical interventions to reduce risk factors and improve heart health.
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Renal function refers to the ability of the kidneys to filter blood, remove waste, and balance fluids and electrolytes in the body. It is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and any impairment can lead to significant health issues, including chronic kidney disease and hypertension.
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Lifestyle modifications are changes made to daily habits and routines to improve overall health and well-being, often recommended for preventing or managing chronic diseases. These modifications typically involve adjustments in diet, physical activity, stress management, and sleep patterns to promote a healthier lifestyle.
Systolic and diastolic pressures are the two measurements used to assess blood pressure, with systolic pressure representing the force exerted on artery walls during heartbeats and diastolic pressure indicating the force when the heart is at rest between beats. These measurements are crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like hypertension, as they reflect cardiovascular health and the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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A hypertensive crisis is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure, which can lead to organ damage. It is classified into hypertensive urgency and hypertensive emergency, with the latter requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent serious complications.
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Endothelial dysfunction is a pathological state of the inner lining of blood vessels, characterized by reduced vasodilation, inflammation, and pro-thrombotic properties. It is a critical early event in the development of atherosclerosis and is associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.
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Salt sensitivity means some people's bodies react more to salt, making their blood pressure go up when they eat salty foods. This can make it harder for their heart to pump blood and can lead to health problems if they eat too much salt.
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Ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) is a crucial determinant of ocular blood flow and is defined as the difference between the blood pressure entering the eye and the intraocular pressure. Maintaining optimal OPP is essential for preventing ocular diseases such as glaucoma, which can result from impaired blood flow to the optic nerve.
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Hypertensive retinopathy is a condition where high blood pressure causes damage to the retina's blood vessels, leading to vision problems. It serves as a critical indicator of systemic vascular health, reflecting the impact of hypertension on the body's microvascular system.
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