FTC disclaimer: This post may contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you click on a link and make a purchase.
Essential hypertension is also known as primary hypertension. As per research studies, about 95% of adults have been affected with essential hypertension (high blood pressure).
The Essential Hypertension (high blood pressure) cause is unknown. Research is still underway to find the exact cause. Moreover, Essential Hypertension is also associated with the below risk factors.
Pathogenesis of Essential Hypertension
Several factors can determine the origin of Essential Hypertension.
- Blood volume
- Cardiac output
- Peripheral vascular resistance
- Sodium retention
These factors are found to contribute to primary hypertension. Increased blood volume due to sodium retention may lead to high blood pressure.
The increased Angiotensin 2 and Renin levels can give rise to sodium retention. Further, increased blood volume may also lead to increased cardiac output hence increased blood pressure.
However, increased sympathetic activity can lead to blood vessel constriction (Vasoconstriction). As a result, it may lead to peripheral vascular resistance and high blood pressure.
Risk factors for essential hypertension
Studies have suggested that primary hypertension is closely associated with some risk factors.
Having any of these risk factors does not mean one will have high blood pressure, but they put someone at risk of Essential Hypertension. These factors are;
- Increased age above 30
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Drinking alcohol
- Excessive salt diet
- Metabolic syndrome
- Diabetes
- Being African American
- High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
- Obesity
- Family history of high blood pressure
- High fatty diet
- Stress
- Male gender
- Sedentary lifestyle
These are the common factors that can put someone at risk of having high blood pressure.
Hypertension tests
The only way to know if one has high blood pressure or not is to have it measured using a blood pressure monitor.
You can ask your health care provider to measure it or measure it yourself.
Your doctor can also ask to have Hypertension tests to assess any risk factors, eliminate secondary hypertension, or evaluate essential hypertension complications.
Symptoms and signs of Essential Hypertension
Primary hypertension can be asymptomatic for a long time. One may not know they have high blood pressure till it’s measured.
Many symptoms will come as a result of complications of primary hypertension. General symptoms would be;
- Headache
- Generalized weakness of the body
- Vomiting and nausea
- Confusion
Effects of Essential Hypertension
Suffering from primary hypertension for a long time (years) can lead to complications.
These complications usually affect and damage the blood vessels and the body organs.
As per studies, the effects of Essential Hypertension are listed below.
- Blood vessel damage (atherosclerosis)
- Heart failure
- Coronary heart disease
- Kidney failure
- Kidney disease (nephropathy)
- Leg ulcers
- Stroke
- Pregnancy complications (in eclampsia)
- Blindness (retinopathy)
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Prevention of primary hypertension
Yes, primary hypertension can be prevented in some situations.
As per research studies, several measures can be taken in order to avoid getting high blood pressure.
This includes preventing or eliminating some of the risk factors like;
- Losing weight if one is overweight
- Eating a healthy diet (including low salt diet, high fiber)
- Exercising constantly
- Stop smoking
- Reduce or stop taking alcohol
- Getting enough supplements for your diet
- Having stress treated or managed
- Having diseases like diabetes, cholesterol managed
Treatment of Primary Hypertension
The treatment of primary hypertension involves below factors;
- A healthy lifestyle
- Medication
- Natural remedies
- Regular follow-up
It is important to note that high blood pressure is a chronic condition that can take time to control.
Following a healthy lifestyle alone may treat hypertension in some patients. It’s also important to note that one should take medication consistently without missing doses for the medicine to work effectively.
Some high blood pressure natural remedies have been found to work in some patients. Please consult with your doctor before taking any hypertension natural remedies.
Many people are dying of complications of high blood pressure because of a lack of follow-up.
You should take an afford to regularly monitor your blood pressure monitor. Measure your BP daily and give the results to your doctor the next time you see them. This is important for your doctor to know if the blood pressure is controlled or not.
