Essential hypertension

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Essential hypertension
Synonyms	Primary hypertension, idiopathic hypertension
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Often none; may include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath
Complications	Stroke, heart attack, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, vision loss
Onset	Typically middle age
Duration	Long term
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic factors, lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, physical inactivity, obesity)
Risks	Family history, age, high salt intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress
Diagnosis	Blood pressure measurement
Differential diagnosis	Secondary hypertension
Prevention	Healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, limiting alcohol, smoking cessation
Treatment	Lifestyle changes, antihypertensive medication
Medication	ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics
Prognosis	Variable; can be managed with treatment
Frequency	Affects 1 in 3 adults in the United States
Deaths	Leading cause of cardiovascular disease deaths

Essential hypertension

Essential Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure with no identifiable cause. It is also known as primary hypertension.

Definition

Essential hypertension is a type of hypertension that does not have a known secondary cause. It's also referred to as primary hypertension. According to the American Heart Association, this type of hypertension tends to develop gradually over many years.

Causes

While the exact causes of essential hypertension are not known, several factors have been linked to this condition. These include genetics, age, diet, and lifestyle factors such as stress and lack of exercise.

Symptoms

Most people with essential hypertension have no symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. Some people may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, but these symptoms aren't specific and usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of essential hypertension is made by a healthcare provider using a blood pressure monitor. If a person has a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher on two or more occasions, they may be diagnosed with hypertension.

Treatment

Treatment for essential hypertension includes lifestyle modifications and medications. Lifestyle changes can include a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. Medications used to treat essential hypertension include diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for essential hypertension include maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, a diet low in salt and saturated fats, and limiting alcohol intake.

See Also

• Hypertension
• Secondary hypertension
• Blood pressure
• Heart disease