Primary Hypertension (Essential Hypertension)

Primary Hypertension (Essential Hypertension) is a common condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently too high. It affects the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels. High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage. This condition usually develops slowly over many years and often has no obvious symptoms, making it important to monitor blood pressure regularly. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress can influence blood pressure, but the exact cause of primary hypertension is often unknown.

Primary Hypertension (Essential Hypertension) is defined as a chronic elevation of systemic arterial blood pressure without an identifiable secondary cause. It is characterized by a sustained increase in systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mm Hg measured on multiple occasions. The core pathology involves increased peripheral vascular resistance due to complex interactions of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and dysregulation of systems such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and sympathetic nervous system. This condition is the most common form of hypertension, accounting for over 90% of cases, and is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, heart failure, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. The absence of a secondary cause distinguishes it from secondary hypertension, which results from identifiable conditions like renal artery stenosis or endocrine disorders.