Name of the Condition

• Essential (Primary) Hypertension
• Also known as high blood pressure.

Summary

Essential hypertension is a chronic medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated without an identifiable cause. It's a common condition that can lead to severe health complications over time, such as heart disease and stroke, if not managed properly.

Causes

• The exact cause of essential hypertension is not well understood, but it's believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Risk Factors

• Age: Increases risk as you get older.
• Family History: Genetics can play a significant role.
• Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and being overweight.
• Excessive Alcohol: Can elevate blood pressure over time.
• Stress: Chronic stress may contribute to high blood pressure.

Symptoms

• Often referred to as a "silent killer" because many people experience no symptoms.
• When symptoms occur, they may include headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, but these symptoms aren't specific and often don’t occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.

Diagnosis

• Regular blood pressure monitoring, either in a healthcare setting or using home blood pressure monitors.
• A high blood pressure reading on more than one occasion is essential for diagnosis.

Treatment Options

• Medications: Such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, which help lower blood pressure.
• Lifestyle Changes: Include dietary changes (low salt, heart-healthy diet), regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With effective management, individuals can lead healthy lives.
• Regular follow-up is crucial to monitor blood pressure, adherence to treatment, and any potential side effects of medications.

Complications

• Untreated hypertension can lead to severe complications like heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and vision loss.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Diet: Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, known as the DASH diet.
• Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity.
• Weight Management: Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Moderation in Alcohol: Limit intake.
• Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques.

When to Seek Professional Help

• If you have extremely high blood pressure (over 180/120) and experience chest pain, vision problems, difficulty breathing, or symptoms of stroke, seek immediate medical attention.

Additional Resources

• American Heart Association: www.heart.org
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Use the ICD-10 code I10 for essential (primary) hypertension.
• Ensure to differentiate between primary and secondary hypertension, as secondary hypertension has different codes and is due to underlying conditions.