5 Questions
Explain the difference between primary (essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension.
Primary hypertension is defined as high blood pressure due to nonspecific lifestyle and genetic factors, accounting for about 90–95% of cases. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is high blood pressure due to a clearly identifiable cause, such as chronic kidney disease, narrowing of the kidney arteries, an endocrine disorder, or the use of birth control pills.
What lifestyle factors contribute to the risk of developing high blood pressure?
Excess salt in the diet, excess body weight, smoking, physical inactivity, and alcohol use are lifestyle factors that increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.
How is blood pressure classified and what are the normal ranges for adults at rest?
Blood pressure is classified by two measurements, the systolic (high reading) and diastolic (lower reading) pressures. For most adults, normal blood pressure at rest is within the range of 100–130 millimeters mercury (mmHg) systolic and 60–80 mmHg diastolic.
What are some of the major health risks associated with high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease, vision loss, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. It is also a major cause of premature death worldwide.
At what point is high blood pressure considered to be present in most adults?
For most adults, high blood pressure is present if the resting blood pressure is persistently at or above 130/80 or 140/90 mmHg.
Study Notes
Hypertension Types
- Primary (essential) hypertension has no identifiable cause and accounts for 90-95% of all hypertension cases.
- Secondary hypertension has an identifiable cause, such as kidney disease, adrenal gland disorders, or sleep apnea.
Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Hypertension Risk
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity or being overweight
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- High-sodium diet
- Stress
Blood Pressure Classification
- Normal blood pressure: systolic < 120 mmHg and diastolic < 80 mmHg
- Elevated blood pressure: systolic 120-129 mmHg and diastolic < 80 mmHg
- Stage 1 hypertension: systolic 130-139 mmHg or diastolic 80-89 mmHg
- Stage 2 hypertension: systolic ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic ≥ 90 mmHg
Health Risks Associated with High Blood Pressure
- Heart disease and heart failure
- Stroke and cerebral hemorrhage
- Kidney disease and kidney failure
- Vision loss and retinopathy
- Peripheral artery disease
Defining High Blood Pressure
- High blood pressure is present in most adults when the average resting systolic pressure is ≥ 130 mmHg or the average resting diastolic pressure is ≥ 80 mmHg.
Take this quiz to test your knowledge about hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Learn about the risks, symptoms, and complications associated with this long-term medical condition.
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