Initial evaluation of the hypertensive patient

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Because hypertension can be severely debilitating and even fatal, prompt diagnosis is crucial. However, its many causes and manifestations can make evaluation of the patient with elevated blood pressure difficult. In this article, Drs Prisant and Carr discuss the essential components of the initial evaluation: history (including drug history), physical examination, and conservative laboratory testing. Also, they offer definitive diagnostic criteria and describe the proper technique for measuring blood pressure.