HYPERTENSION - CAUSES

ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

Up to 90-95% of hypertension is classified as Primary, or Essential Hypertension, in which there is no identifiable cause. Whilst there is no direct cause for the raised blood pressure, there are many risk factors such as a positive family history of hypertension, sedentary lifestyle and obesity.

SECONDARY HYPERTENSION

In the remaining 5-10%, an identifiable cause is present. This type of hypertension is known as Secondary Hypertension, and it is important to have it differentiated from the primary form, as the underlying cause will need to be treated.

Conditions which can result in hypertension include:

• Endocrinological conditions:

- Primary aldosteronism (Conn's syndrome)

- Cushing's syndrome

- Phaeochromocytoma

- Oral contraceptives

• Kidney diseases:

- Glomerulonephritis

- Renal artery stenosis

- Reflux nephropathy

• Coarctation of the aorta

• Immune disease eg. Polyarteritis nodosa

• Drugs eg. NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and steroids.

• Pregnancy

• Obstructive Sleep Apnoea