Antihypertensive drugs

Hypertension is defined as either a sustained systolic blood pressure of greater than 140 mm Hg or a sustained diastolic blood pressure of greater than 90 mm Hg.
Although many patients have no symptoms, chronic hypertension can lead to heart disease and stroke, the top two causes of death in the world. Hypertension is also an important risk factor in the development of chronic kidney disease and heart failure.

Most antihypertensive drugs lower blood pressure by reducing cardiac output and/or decreasing peripheral resistance.
The goal of antihypertensive therapy is to reduce cardiovascular and renal morbidity and mortality.
Hypertensive emergency :is a rare but life-threatening situation characterized by severe elevations in blood pressure (systolic greater than 180 mm Hg or diastolic greater than 120 mm Hg) with evidence of impending or progressive target organ damage (for example, stroke, myocardial infarction).
Resistant hypertension :is defined as blood pressure that remains elevated (above goal) despite administration of an optimal three-drug regimen that includes a diuretic.