Hypertension and Essential Hypertension Understanding the Differences and Similarities

Hypertension and Essential Hypertension: Understanding the Differences and Similarities

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high, causing the heart to work harder than normal. Hypertension can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure if left untreated. In this article, we will explore the differences and similarities between hypertension and essential hypertension.

Hypertension

Hypertension is a medical condition that is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg or higher. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, while diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg.

Hypertension can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity. It is often referred to as the ”silent killer” because it can go undetected for years without any noticeable symptoms. However, if left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Essential Hypertension

Essential hypertension is a type of hypertension that has no identifiable cause. It is also known as primary hypertension. Essential hypertension is the most common type of hypertension, accounting for approximately 90% of all cases. It is often thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as a diet high in salt and saturated fats, lack of exercise, and stress.

The symptoms of hypertension and essential hypertension are similar, but they differ in their causes. Both conditions can cause headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. However, hypertension can be caused by a variety of factors, while essential hypertension has no identifiable cause.

The treatment for hypertension and essential hypertension is similar. Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing stress can help lower blood pressure in both conditions. Medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers may also be prescribed to lower blood pressure in both conditions.

In conclusion, hypertension and essential hypertension are two medical conditions that affect blood pressure in the body. Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg or higher, and can be caused by a variety of factors. Essential hypertension is a type of hypertension that has no identifiable cause and is the most common type of hypertension. While the symptoms of hypertension and essential hypertension are similar, they differ in their causes. The treatment for both conditions involves lifestyle changes and medications. If you are at risk of developing hypertension or have been diagnosed with hypertension, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop an effective treatment plan.