[6] Treatment of HTN has long been associated with benefit, but this treatment benefit has not been proven for lowering slightly elevated blood pressures to a normal blood pressure of 115/75 mm Hg. In this CPG, the Work Group specifically investigated the point of proven benefit for HTN treatment (see Recommendation 9); based on this evidence, the Work Group defines HTN as SBP and/or DBP at or above 130/90 mm Hg, assuming proper measurement technique. For those with a blood pressure above normal but not in the hypertensive range, there is no evidence to date that there is a benefit from treatment; however, their cardiovascular risk remains elevated. HTN is described as either primary or secondary HTN. Primary, or essential, HTN accounts for about 95% of cases and is a heterogeneous disorder in which different causal factors, including genetic predisposition, central adiposity, sedentary lifestyle, and dietary choices, can lead to high blood pressure.[7] Secondary HTN is high blood pressure that results from an underlying and identifiable cause.[8] Main causes of secondary HTN include adverse effects (AEs) of medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], corticosteroids, decongestants, hormonal contraception, erythropoietin, amphetamines prescription or illicit) or illegal drugs, renovascular disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, aortic coarctation, and others. Complications of HTN include damage to the large arteries (macrovascular complications) that can lead to stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), or peripheral arterial disease, as well as damage to the smaller arteries (microvascular complications) that can lead to CKD, lacunar infarcts, multi-infarct dementia, or retinopathy. In addition to these arterial complications, HTN itself can lead to cardiac complications including diastolic dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and chronic heart failure (CHF) with preserved or reduced ejection fraction. Treatment of HTN reduces the risk of these complications. A. 