Hypertensive heart failure (HHF) is a major public health problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Its cardinal characteristics are left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction resulting from the response to biochemical stress imposed on the left ventricle (LV) by a chronic and progressive increase in blood pressure. However, the precise understanding of the nature of HHF has been partial because of its many different terminologies and definitions making comparison and aggregation of studies challenging. In addition, the current heart failure (HF) classification systems and clinical guidelines based on morphological and/or functional characteristics do not inspire research into etiology-specific classification and treatment. However, with risk factors for the development of HHF such as obesity, diabetes, sedentarism, smoking and high salt intake increasing, there is need to improve the diagnosis and clinical management of HHF. The present review thus aggregates available research evidence on HHF to provide a comprehensive understanding of its clinical status.