Essential hypertension what is it

Most cases of high blood pressure are classified as essential hypertension. The other kind of hypertension is secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that has an identifiable cause, such as kidney disease. Genetic factors are thought to play a role in essential hypertension. The following factors may increase your risk of developing essential hypertension:. They usually discover that their blood pressure is high during a regular medical checkup.

Blood pressure checks are the best way to screen for the condition. The first number is your systolic pressure. Systolic pressure measures the force of blood against your artery walls as your heart pumps blood to the rest of your body.

The second number measures your diastolic pressure. Diastolic pressure measures the force of your blood against your artery walls between heartbeats, as the heart muscle relaxes. Learn more about systolic and diastolic pressure.

Your blood pressure readings can fluctuate up or down throughout the day. Elevated blood pressure is higher than normal blood pressure, but not quite high enough to be hypertension. Elevated blood pressure is:. Your doctor will test your blood pressure using a blood pressure monitor. If your blood pressure is high, they may want you to check your blood pressure at home during regular intervals. Your doctor will teach you how to use a blood pressure monitor if they ask you to measure your blood pressure at home.

The severity of your high blood pressure is determined by the average of your blood pressure readings taken at different times. Your doctor may perform a physical exam to check for signs of heart disease. This exam may include looking at your eyes and listening to your heart, lungs, and blood flow in your neck. Small blood vessels in the back of your eye can indicate damage from high blood pressure. Damage here indicates similar damage elsewhere.

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Last reviewed: 13 Oct Last updated: 24 Aug Other diagnostic factors headache visual changes dyspnea chest pain sensory or motor deficit Other diagnostic factors.

Differentials Drug-induced Chronic kidney disease Renal artery stenosis More differentials. Show more related information. More Information High blood pressure and sex High blood pressure dangers Hypertensive crisis: What are the symptoms? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references High blood pressure. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed Dec. What is high blood pressure?

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