HTN
Medical abbreviation · Cardiology
| Stands for | Hypertension |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
HTN stands for Hypertension, a cardiology abbreviation.
Persistently high blood pressure in the arteries, defined by the ACC/AHA as 130/80 mmHg or higher and by many international guidelines as 140/90 or higher. Nearly half of US adults meet the American definition, and uncontrolled hypertension is a leading cause of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease.
Example: PMH: HTN, HLD, T2DM; BP today 152/94 on lisinopril, adding amlodipine.
Usage notes
The 2017 ACC/AHA guideline created stage 1 (130 to 139 over 80 to 89) and stage 2 (140/90 or higher), and the 2025 update kept these thresholds. Primary (essential) hypertension has no single cause, whereas secondary hypertension stems from conditions such as kidney disease, primary aldosteronism or sleep apnea. Because it rarely causes symptoms it is called the "silent killer," and readings above 180/120 are labeled hypertensive crisis.
Related abbreviations
More cardiology abbreviations
- HHD – Hypertensive heart disease
- HLD – Hyperlipidemia
- HLHS – Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- HOCM – Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
- HRS – Heart Rhythm Society
- hs-cTn – High-sensitivity cardiac troponin
- IABP – Intra-aortic balloon pump
- ICD – Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
- ICM – Ischemic cardiomyopathy
- IE – Infective endocarditis
- iFR – Instantaneous wave-free ratio
- IHD – Ischemic heart disease
See all 229 cardiology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.