What characterizes resistant hypertension?

Resistant hypertension is characterized by high blood pressure that remains elevated despite the patient being treated with three or more antihypertensive medications, ideally including a diuretic. This condition is particularly challenging to manage because it indicates that the blood pressure is not adequately controlled through standard pharmacological interventions, suggesting that either the medications are insufficient, there are contributing factors such as poor adherence, secondary causes, or lifestyle factors that are not being addressed.

The persistence of hypertension despite this intensive treatment regimen is what distinguishes resistant hypertension from other forms of hypertension, where control can often be achieved with fewer medications or through lifestyle modifications alone.