Arterial hypertension is one of the most common diseases in the world.
High blood pressure is a major, leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality.
There are two types of high blood pressure.
Primary (essential) hypertension
For most adults, there's no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure, called primary (essential) hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years.
Secondary hypertension
Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension.
Various conditions and medications can lead to secondary hypertension, including:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Kidney disease
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Thyroid problems
- Certain defects you're born with (congenital) in blood vessels
- Certain medications
- Illegal drugs
Diagnosis and treatment
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis and check for underlying conditions that can cause hypertension.
- Ambulatory monitoring. This 24-hour blood pressure monitoring test is used to confirm if you have high blood pressure.
- Lab tests. Your doctor may recommend a urine test (urinalysis) and blood tests, including a cholesterol test.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).
- Echocardiogram.
The course of treatment is prescribed after diagnosing the underlying cause.
Your doctor may recommend that you make lifestyle changes including:
- Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Eating less salt
- Getting regular physical activity
- Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if you're overweight or obese
If diet and exercise don't help, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your blood pressure.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
