Hypertension = HTN HTN is measured by consistent elevation in the blood, either systolic > 140 or diastolic >90 esential

htn = unknown cause secondary htn = cause is known arteriosclerosis - thickening and hardening of the arteries, decreasing the flexibility atherosclerosis - narrowing of arteries due to fatty deposits on the call (plaques) with little thickening of artery wall. damage to the eyes 1. flame hemorrhage 2. hard exudates 3. cotton wool spots kidney nephosclerosis heart - infarction, hypertrophy or cardiomyopathy 1. myocardial infaction 2. ventricular hypertrophy 3. dilated cardiomyopathy central alpha agonist - act on CNS