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Difference Between Primary and Secondary Hypertension
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic medical condition that is characterized by increased pressure within the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms until it has caused damage to the body.
There are two types of hypertension: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. In this article, we will discuss the difference between primary and secondary hypertension.
What is Primary Hypertension?
Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is the most common form of hypertension. It accounts for about 90% of all cases of hypertension. Primary hypertension occurs when the blood pressure rises due to factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. The exact cause of primary hypertension is unknown, but there are several risk factors that contribute to its development. These risk factors include age, race, family history, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Diagnosis and causes − The hypertension is noted when a blood pressure reading is taken using a sphygmomanometer and a high reading is noted from two to three readings. The cause of high blood pressure in the case of primary hypertension is not known but individuals usually have a family history of hypertension.
Risk factors − Having a family history of hypertension seems to be a risk factor as studies among hypertensive children have shown a higher number of cases occurring where there is a family member who had high blood pressure. Scientists have also found that children with a high body mass index are more prone to having primary hypertension than secondary hypertension. Obesity, a high salt intake and genetics are all suspected risk factors for essential hypertension.
Treatment − Treatment usually involves taking medication to lower the blood pressure and implementing lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake and exercising.
What is Secondary Hypertension?
Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is less common and accounts for only about 10% of all cases of hypertension. Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying medical condition such as kidney disease, endocrine disorders, or sleep apnea.
Unlike primary hypertension, secondary hypertension has a specific underlying cause that can be identified and treated. If left untreated, secondary hypertension can cause serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Diagnosis and causes − The condition of secondary hypertension is diagnosed by using a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer), and recording a high value from more than one reading of the blood pressure. There are several known causes of secondary hypertension including vascular problems of the renal arteries and kidney disease. The overproduction of aldosterone due to adrenal tumors is also a cause as are problems of the thyroid gland in which too much or too few hormones are released. Excess alcohol intake and taking oral contraceptives can also lead to secondary hypertension.
Risk factors − Problems with aldosterone, the thyroid gland and kidneys are risk factors for secondary hypertension. Taking oral contraceptives and drinking alcohol also increases the risk.
Treatment − Patients can be treated with blood pressure medication and in some cases if the underlying disease causing the condition is treated, the problem can be fixed. For instance, if oral contraceptives are causing the problem then the person can stop taking this and may be cured of the condition.
Differences: Primary and Secondary Hypertension
One of the main differences between primary and secondary hypertension is the cause of the condition. Primary hypertension is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, whereas secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying medical condition.
Another difference between the two types of hypertension is the treatment. Primary hypertension is usually treated with lifestyle modifications such as exercise, diet, and weight loss. In some cases, medication may be necessary to control blood pressure.
Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is treated by addressing the underlying medical condition. For example, if the cause of the hypertension is kidney disease, treatment will involve managing the kidney disease.
The symptoms of primary and secondary hypertension are the same, and both conditions can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. The only way to know if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked regularly by a healthcare professional. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. A reading between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg is considered prehypertension, and a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered hypertension.
The following table highlights the major differences between Primary and Secondary Hypertension −
Characteristics |
Primary Hypertension |
Secondary Hypertension |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
Primary hypertension is high blood pressure where the cause is not known. |
Primary hypertension is high blood pressure where the cause is not known. |
Prevalence |
The primary hypertension is very common with about 85% of hypertension cases classified as primary. |
The secondary hypertension is much less common with 15% or less of cases due to secondary causes. |
Family history of hypertension |
Having a family history of high blood pressure is common among patients who have primary hypertension. |
Having a family history of high blood pressure is rare among patients who have secondary hypertension. |
High BMI |
Having a high body mass index (BMI) is commonly seen in patients with primary hypertension. |
Having a high body mass index is not common in patients who have secondary hypertension. |
Causes |
The cause of primary hypertension is not known |
The cause of secondary hypertension is known and is due to another condition such as kidney disease, a tumor of the adrenal gland causing overproduction of aldosterone, too little or too much thyroid hormone, problems with the renal arteries, sleep apnea, and use of oral contraceptives or excess alcohol intake. |
Can be cured |
Since the cause of primary hypertension is not known it is unlikely to be completely cured. |
In some cases because the cause of secondary hypertension is known it is possible to cure the condition if the underlying medical problem can be fixed. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, hypertension is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. There are two types of hypertension: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension is the most common form of hypertension and is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Secondary hypertension is less common and is caused by an underlying medical condition. The treatment for primary hypertension involves lifestyle modifications and medication, while the treatment for secondary hypertension involves addressing the underlying medical condition. It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly to ensure early detection.
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