2.1 types + causes

types of hypertension

• Primary (Essential) Hypertension

• secondary hypertension

• hypertensive crisis

• isolated systolic hypertension

• white coat hypertension

primary hypertension is the most common type

where there is no single identifiable cause and tends to develop gradually over many years

primary hyp contributing factors

genetics

poor diet, especially high salt intake

physical inactivity

obesity

smoking

stress

primary hyp prevalence

90%-95% of hypertension cases

secondary hypertention is caused by underlying conditions

once the condition is treatment blood pressure often returns to normal

secondary hypertension causes

• kidney disease,

• hormonal disorders (e.g. Cushing’s syndrome, hyperaldosteronism),

• thyroid problems,

• obstructive sleep apnoea,

• and certain medications (e.g. contraceptive pills or decongestants).

hypertensive crisis is a severe and rapidly progress in form of hypertension

where blood pressure rises dangerously high typically above 180/120 mmHg). It is a medical emergency.

hypertensive crisis causes

Can occur in both primary and secondary hypertension

but is more likely in people with uncontrolled blood pressure.

hypertensive crisis symptoms

organ damage

severe headache

chest pain

vision problems

shortness of breath

hypertensive crisis complications

immediate stroke

heart attack

kidney failure

isolated systolic hypertension is a condition where only the systolic blood pressure is elevated

while the diastolic pressure remains normal

isolated systolic hypertension causes

Common in older adults due to the stiffening of large arteries

, but can also occur due to hyperthyroidism or other conditions.

white coat hypertension evelated blood ropessure reading onlin in clinical setting

but normal reading outside this environment

white coat hypertensionc auses

axciety/ stress reated to medicla settins

white coat hypertension managment

monitored with home HBPM or ambulatory ABPM blood rpessure monitoring to avoid unnessary medication

causes of hypertension

dietary factor

physical inactivity

obesity

alcohol consumption

stress

smoking

family history

gene variantss

dietary factors

• High Salt Intake: Excess sodium in the diet leads to fluid retention, which increases the volume of blood in the arteries, raising blood pressure.

• High Consumption of Saturated Fats: Diets high in saturated fats can lead to cholesterol build-up in the arteries, contributing to hypertension.

physical inactivity

• Lack of exercise is associated with weight gain, atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries), and increased peripheral resistance, all of which elevate blood pressure.

obesity

• Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, increases the workload on the heart and blood vessels, leading to higher blood pressure.

alcohol consumption

• Regular consumption of excessive alcohol can raise blood pressure by damaging the heart and blood vessels over time.

stress

• Chronic stress leads to temporary increases in blood pressure, which may become sustained in the long term, especially when coupled with poor coping mechanisms like smoking or overeating.

smoking

• Nicotine causes the blood vessels to constrict, increasing resistance and raising blood pressure. Smoking also damages the arterial walls, exacerbating hypertension.

age and gender

• Hypertension becomes more common with age as blood vessels naturally lose their elasticity. It is also more prevalent in men under the age of 55 and women over 55.

family history

• A family history of hypertension significantly increases the risk. Genetic predispositions affect how the kidneys regulate salt, how the blood vessels constrict, and how hormones like renin and angiotensin are regulated.

gene variants

• Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) genes: Variants in genes regulating the RAAS can lead to overactivity, causing blood vessel constriction and increased sodium reabsorption in the kidneys thereby raising blood pressure.

• Sodium-Transport Genes: Mutations in genes regulating sodium balance can predispose individuals to salt-sensitive hypertension, leading to increased blood pressure in response to high salt intake.