Hypertension: Known & Less Known Facts
Message from the Editor's Desk In today’s fast-paced and evolving medical landscape, hypertension remains one of the most pervasive and pressing global health challenges. Often termed the "silent killer," hypertension exerts a profound and insidious impact on individual health and public health systems alike, increasing the burden of cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, stroke, and other serious conditions across every demographic. Given its widespread impact, the need to deepen our understanding of hypertension and its lesser-known implications has never been greater. Hypertension: Known & Less Known Facts was born from a desire to address this gap by exploring the extensive and nuanced impacts of hypertension on various organ systems. With 32 chapters covering distinct areas, this monograph brings together the collective wisdom of over 55 esteemed contributors, each a respected voice in their field. Our contributors hail from around the world, representing diverse clinical perspectives and expertise that lend this monograph both depth and breadth. Each chapter within this monograph sheds light on both well-established facets of hypertension and the cutting-edge advancements that push our knowledge forward. From exploring the complex pathophysiology and risk factors, such as genetic and molecular drivers, to discussing innovative therapeutic approaches—including lifestyle modifications, AI integration, and the latest pharmacological developments—this work strives to be a comprehensive resource. The unique section dedicated to lesser-known facts about hypertension addresses aspects often overlooked in conventional clinical discussions, offering fresh perspectives and insights that can lead to more holistic patient care. Our vision for Hypertension: Known & Less Known Facts is that it serves as both an educational foundation and an ongoing inspiration for clinicians, researchers, and students. As we bring this work to fruition, we do so with the hope that it fosters curiosity, encourages further research, and ultimately enhances the quality of life for those affected by hypertension. It is our sincere belief that every healthcare professional who engages with this monograph will be empowered with knowledge to better address the complexities of hypertension and improve patient outcomes. We are deeply grateful to all those who contributed to this project, from our dedicated contributors to the design team and everyone involved in the production process. It is through this collaborative effort that we present this work, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have made this vision a reality. Together, let us advance in our shared mission to combat hypertension and its widespread impact on global health. With warm regards and gratitude, The Editorial Team Dr Jayant Arvind Antani, Pune, Maharashtra India Dr Vithalrao G Nadagouda, Hubli, Karnataka. India Dr Nagaraj Desai, Bangaluru, Karnataka, India Keywords for the Monograph: General Topics: Hypertension, Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular Risk, Silent Killer, Lifestyle Modifications, Hypertension Guidelines. Diagnostics & Pathophysiology: Primary Hypertension, Secondary Hypertension, Renin-Angiotensin System, Echocardiography, Nuclear Medicine Imaging, Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM). Management: Antihypertensive Drugs, Resistant Hypertension, Hypertension Emergencies, Renal Denervation, Non-Pharmacological Therapy. Special Populations: Hypertension in Children, Elderly Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes and Hypertension. Advanced Topics: Artificial Intelligence in Hypertension, Genetics of Hypertension, Endocrine Hypertension, Hypertension in Connective Tissue Disorders. Complications: Heart Failure, Stroke, Ocular Hypertension, Hypertension in Coronary Artery Disease. Emerging Concepts: Recent Advances, Hypertension as a Pan-Systemic Disorder, Vitamin D and Hypertension. Complementary Approaches: Alternative Medicine in Hypertension, Stress Management, Yoga, Diet Therapy. Global Health: Hypertension Prevalence, Socioeconomic Burden, Public Health Strategies, Rural vs. Urban Hypertension Trends. Concise and targeted list of keywords to capture the essence of this monograph: Hypertension Blood Pressure Cardiovascular Risk Primary Hypertension Secondary Hypertension Lifestyle Modifications Antihypertensive Drugs Hypertension Guidelines Diagnosis and Pathophysiology Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) Renal Denervation Hypertension Emergencies Resistant Hypertension Metabolic Syndrome Diabetes and Hypertension Elderly Hypertension Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension Artificial Intelligence in Hypertension Genetics of Hypertension Ocular Hypertension Endocrine Hypertension Heart Failure and Hypertension Stroke and Hypertension Alternative Medicine in Hypertension Recent Advances in Hypertension