What is the difference between essential and secondary hypertension?
Hypertension occurs when the force of blood is stronger than it should be normally. Most cases of high blood pressure are classified as essential hypertension. The other kind of hypertension is secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that has an identifiable cause, such as kidney disease.
Is hypertension primary or secondary?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is classified as “essential” (primary) or “secondary.” Essential hypertension does not have an apparent cause. It may be due to such things as family history or lifestyle. Most people with high blood pressure have essential hypertension.
How common is secondary hypertension?
Approximately 5 to 10 percent of adults with hypertension have a secondary cause. In young adults, particularly women, renal artery stenosis caused by fibromuscular dysplasia is one of the most common secondary etiologies.
What is an example of secondary hypertension?
Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by another condition or disease. Conditions that may cause secondary hypertension include kidney disease, adrenal disease, thyroid problems and obstructive sleep apnea.
How do you lower secondary hypertension?
These include:
- Eating healthy foods. Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods.
- Decreasing the salt in your diet.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Increasing physical activity.
- Limiting alcohol.
- Not smoking.
- Managing stress.
When is screening for secondary hypertension needed?
Young adults (<30 years) without a family history or other risk factors for hypertension should undergo screening for secondary forms. In elderly adults with known atherosclerosis, the presence of severe hypertension or an acute increase of BP is suggestive for a secondary form [i.e. renal artery stenosis (RAS)].