hypertension

high BLOOD PRESSURE (in the arteries). ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION may be the result of an unknown cause or KIDNEY disease or ENDOCRINE diseases. MALIGNANT hypertension will prove fatal if not treated. It may be a condition in itself or an end stage of essential hypertension. It tends to occur in a younger age group, and there is high diastolic blood pressure (see DIASTOLE ) and kidney failure. ARTERIOSCLEROSIS is a complication of, and often associated with, hypertension. Other complications include cerebral HAEMORRHAGE , HEART FAILURE and kidney failure. Previously a rapidly fatal condition, antihypertensive drugs have revolutionized treatment and given sufferers a nearnormal life. See also PULMONARY HYPERTENSION .