Chronic hypertension physical examination
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Hypertension Main page |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Taylor Palmieri
Overview
Physical examination of a patient with isolated hypertension in the absence of target organ damage is usually unimpressive with the exception of high blood pressure. Healthcare providers must nonetheless search thoroughly for findings on physical examination that might suggest target organ damage and associated clinical conditions
Physical Examination
Physical examination of a patient with isolated hypertension in the absence of target organ damage is usually unimpressive with the exception of high blood pressure. Healthcare providers must nonetheless search thoroughly for findings on physical examination that might suggest target organ damage and associated clinical conditions. According to JNC 7, physical examination should include:[1]
- Measurement of vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure). Blood pressure should be measured according to appropriate technique.
- Measurement of height, weight, waist and abdominal circumferences. Calculation of BMI is required.
- Examination of optic fundi
- Auscultation of carotid, abdominal, and femoral bruits
- Palpation of thyroid gland
- Thorough examination of the heart and lungs
- Abdominal examination for enlarged kidneys, masses, distended urinary bladder, and abnormal aortic pulsations
- Palpation of lower extremities for edema and pulses
- Neurological assessment
2013 ESH/ESC Guidelines For The Management of Arterial Hypertension (DO NOT EDIT)[2]
Summary of Recommendations on Physical Examination (DO NOT EDIT)[2]
| Class I |
| "1. It is recommended that all hypertensive patients undergo palpation of the pulse at rest to determine heart rate and to search for arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation. (Level of Evidence: B)" |
References
- ↑ Cuddy ML (2005). "Treatment of hypertension: guidelines from JNC 7 (the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure 1)". J Pract Nurs. 55 (4): 17–21, quiz 22-3. PMID 16512265.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Authors/Task Force Members. Mancia G, Fagard R, Narkiewicz K, Redon J, Zanchetti A; et al. (2013). "2013 ESH/ESC Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension: The Task Force for the management of arterial hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)". Eur Heart J. 34 (28): 2159–219. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/eht151. PMID 23771844.