Samuel J. Mann, MD is professor of clinical medicine, Hypertension Division, Weill/ Cornell Medical School, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York.

Is hypertension an inflammatory disease?

Traditionally, a diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism is considered when a patient has hypokalemia, either spontaneous or caused by a diuretic.

Hypertension has traditionally been defined by the arbitrary criteria of systolic pressure > 140 mm Hg or diastolic pressure > 90 mm Hg.

Roughly 40% of cases of hypertension are attributable to genetic factors and perhaps 40% to lifestyle factors, particularly diet, salt intake, weight, and exercise.