Hypertension: Essential vs. Secondary
Definition
Hypertension: blood pressure (BP)
consistently above 130/80 mmHg
Essential (Primary) hypertension: high
BP with no identifiable cause
Secondary hypertension: high BP
caused by an underlying condition
Essential Hypertension
Most common type of hypertension
(90-95% of cases)
Causes:
Genetic factors
Environmental factors (diet, stress,
physical inactivity)
Diagnosis:
Exclusion of secondary causes
, Confirmation with multiple BP
readings
Secondary Hypertension
Less common (5-10% of cases)
Causes:
Kidney disease
Hormonal disorders (e.g.
pheochromocytoma)
Structural issues (e.g. coarctation of
aorta)
Medications (e.g. birth control pills,
NSAIDs)
Diagnosis:
Identification of underlying cause
Confirmation with multiple BP
readings
Complications
Cardiovascular disease
Kidney damage
Stroke
Definition
Hypertension: blood pressure (BP)
consistently above 130/80 mmHg
Essential (Primary) hypertension: high
BP with no identifiable cause
Secondary hypertension: high BP
caused by an underlying condition
Essential Hypertension
Most common type of hypertension
(90-95% of cases)
Causes:
Genetic factors
Environmental factors (diet, stress,
physical inactivity)
Diagnosis:
Exclusion of secondary causes
, Confirmation with multiple BP
readings
Secondary Hypertension
Less common (5-10% of cases)
Causes:
Kidney disease
Hormonal disorders (e.g.
pheochromocytoma)
Structural issues (e.g. coarctation of
aorta)
Medications (e.g. birth control pills,
NSAIDs)
Diagnosis:
Identification of underlying cause
Confirmation with multiple BP
readings
Complications
Cardiovascular disease
Kidney damage
Stroke
