Essential hypertension is high blood pressure that has no known secondary cause. It is also referred to as primary hypertension.
Blood pressure is the force with which blood hits the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. Hypertension occurs when the force of the blood is greater than it should be under normal conditions.
Most cases of high blood pressure are classified as essential hypertension. Another type of hypertension is secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that has an identifiable cause, such as kidney disease.
What are the risk factors associated with essential hypertension?
Genetic factors are believed to play a role in the development of hypertension. The following factors may increase the risk of developing essential hypertension:
- diet
- stress
- minimum physical activity
- overweight
How will I know if I have hypertension?
Checking blood pressure is the best way to detect this condition. It is important to understand how to measure blood pressure and read the results.
Blood pressure readings have two numbers, usually recorded this way: 120/80. The first number is the systolic pressure. Systolic pressure measures the force with which blood hits the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood to the rest of the body.
The second number determines the diastolic pressure. Diastolic pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries between heartbeats, when the heart muscle relaxes. Learn more about systolic and diastolic pressures.
Blood pressure readings can fluctuate up or down throughout the day. It changes after exercise, during rest, when you are in pain, or even when you are stressed or upset. Occasional high blood pressure does not necessarily mean you have hypertension. You won't get a diagnosis of hypertension unless you have high blood pressure readings at least two to three times.
What are the complications associated with essential hypertension?
The higher your blood pressure, the harder your heart has to work. The stronger blood force can damage your organs, blood vessels and heart muscle. This can ultimately reduce the flow of blood through your body, which leads to:
- heart failure
- heart attack
- Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries caused by cholesterol deposition (can lead to heart attack)
- stroke
- eye damage
- Kidney damage
- Nerve damage
- What are the long-term prospects
Some people are able to lower their blood pressure with medication and then maintain it through a healthier lifestyle, reducing the need for high blood pressure medication.
With a healthy lifestyle and the use of medication, there is a good chance that you will be able to control your blood pressure. Controlling blood pressure reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure. It also reduces the risk of damage to your eyes or kidneys. If you already have damage to your heart, eyes or kidneys, treatment helps limit further damage.
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