Resistant Hypertension

Resistant hypertension (RH) is a form of high blood pressure (BP) that does not respond to the usual medical treatments, such as lifestyle changes and medications. RH is associated with an increased risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, making diagnosis and treatment important. In order to diagnose RH, multiple BP measurements over time are taken, and if the top number, or systolic BP, is consistently higher than 140 mmHg, RH can be confirmed. Treatment of RH may include lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, as well as medications to target altered kidney function or other underlying conditions. Identification and treatment of RH are important in order to prevent long-term cardiovascular complications, such as stroke and heart failure.