The two Kinds of Hypertension

Blood pressure results from the interplay of two critical factors: the volume of blood the heart pumps and the resistance arteries pose to blood flow. A higher volume of blood pumped by the heart, combined with narrower arteries, contributes to elevated blood pressure.

There are primarily two categories of high blood pressure:

1. Primary Hypertension (Essential  Hypertension)

2. Secondary Hypertension

Primary Hypertension (Essential Hypertension)

For most adults, the root cause of high blood pressure remains elusive. This condition, referred to as primary hypertension or essential hypertension, tends to develop gradually over an extended period. The presence of atherosclerosis, characterized by the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, amplifies the risk of high blood pressure.

Primary hypertension can be influenced by a multitude of factors, including:

• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• High salt intake
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking

Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, stems from an underlying medical condition. It typically emerges suddenly and often results in higher blood pressure levels compared to primary hypertension. Various conditions and medications can trigger secondary hypertension, such as:

• Adrenal gland tumors
• Congenital heart defects, which are blood vessel problems present from birth
• Certain medications, including cough and cold remedies, some pain relievers, and birth control pills
• Illicit substances like cocaine and amphetamines
• Kidney disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Thyroid disorders

Additionally, it's worth noting that in some cases, a mere medical checkup can induce a temporary increase in blood pressure, a phenomenon known as white coat hypertension.