High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Types of high blood pressure

There are two main types of high blood pressure, or hypertension:

• Primary hypertension: This is the most common type of high blood pressure. Also known as essential hypertension, primary hypertension is not caused by another medical condition but can develop over time as you age.
• Secondary hypertension: This type of high blood pressure is caused by other medical issues or certain medications.

Primary and secondary hypertension can also fall into one of three sub-types:

• Resistant hypertension: This form does not improve with treatment or needs multiple types of medication to manage.
• Malignant hypertension: This form is severe and can damage your organs.
• Isolated systolic hypertension: This occurs when your systolic pressure goes above 140 and your diastolic pressure drops below 90.

What causes high blood pressure?

Primary hypertension can develop for many reasons, mainly due to your lifestyle and certain health conditions.

Common causes include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Eating a high-salt diet
• Having high cholesterol
• Not getting enough exercise

Secondary hypertension originates from at least one identifiable cause.

Common triggers include:

• Certain medications, including immunosuppressants, some pain relievers, and oral contraceptives
• Kidney disease
• Sleep apnea
• Diabetes
• Recreational drug use
• Smoking

Diagnosing high blood pressure

You can learn if your blood pressure is high by checking it regularly at home or by your healthcare provider.

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:

• Systolic pressure: This refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the body.
• Diastolic pressure: This refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart is at rest.

When you have a blood pressure reading, the numbers are provided in millimeters of mercury, or mm Hg, a measure of how high the mercury column in the blood pressure cuff rises. You may have high blood pressure if your systolic or diastolic readings are consistently above normal levels.

High blood pressure treatment

Treatment for high blood pressure involves lifestyle changes and medications. Healthcare providers tailor treatment based on your blood pressure readings, the causes of your high blood pressure, and your underlying conditions.