ABSTRACT
Blood pressure is often not taken by medical students as they use the readings from the patient’s observation chart. Hypertension is common, and if left untreated is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is currently defined as a systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg, with a diastolic blood pressure <90 mmHg. Hypertension is usually symptomless, but it should be treated to reduce the risk of developing complications. The prevalence and risk of developing complications of hypertension increase with age. The risk factors for hypertension are similar to those for heart disease. The pathophysiology of hypertension is believed to be due to progressive stiffening of the small and large vessels of the arterial tree, due to ageing. In the kidneys, damage to the microvasculature can reduce renal function by impairing glomerular filtration.
