Q:
What is essential hypertension?
A:
Hypertension (HTN or HT), also known as high blood pressure (HBP) or arterial hypertension, is a kind of long-term medical condition in which blood pressure in the arteries is continuously elevated. Many people take medicines to lower their blood pressure. Hypertension is classified as primary (essential) hypertension or secondary hypertension.
Essential hypertension is a kind of hypertension which is not caused by diseases but by a complex interaction of genes and some environmental factors. According to the study, over 90% of the cases are essential hypertension.
Numerous common genetic variants and some rare genetic variants may cause essential hypertension. Besides, aging is a common cause for essential hypertension. Its other causes include high salt intake, depression, caffeine consumption, vitamin D deficiency, lack of exercise and obesity.
Keywords: essential hypertension; essential hypertension definition; meaning essential hypertension
