A 45-year-old woman was seen by her physician for an upper respiratory infection. Blood pressure on that visit was noted to be 158/94 mm Hg. She was asked to return for two other visits, separated by 1 week each, for measurement of blood pressure. Repeat measures were similar. She has no previous history of hypertension. She denies any previous significant medical problems. There is a positive family history for hypertension. The rest of her history is unremarkable. Other than moderate obesity and the elevated blood pressure, her physical examination was completely normal. All routine laboratory studies were normal. Which diagnosis would you predict for this woman?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's presentation is consistent with essential hypertension, which is a diagnosis of exclusion. Other potential causes of hypertension would need to be ruled out through additional testing or imaging, but the presence of a positive family history and lack of other significant medical problems makes essential hypertension the most likely diagnosis.

A 45-Year-Old Woman Was Seen by Her Physician for an Upper