Types of Hypertensions: Primary Vs. Secondary – What’s the Difference?

Hypertension is a medical condition characterised by high blood pressure. The condition arises when the blood consistently exerts excessive pressure on artery walls. While the condition usually does not exhibit specific symptoms, understanding its crucial aspects helps in timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
This article discusses types of hypertension, the difference between primary and secondary hypertension, and more.

What are the Types of Hypertensions?

There are mainly two types of hypertensions:

1. Primary hypertension – This hypertension is the most common type of hypertension and is also known as essential hypertension. There is no single clear cause of the condition, but factors like age, diet, or lifestyle habits may cause it.
2. Secondary hypertension – Secondary hypertension can be associated with an identifiable and potentially reversible cause. The condition is uncommon and is mainly linked to an underlying disease.

What Causes Hypertension?

The difference between primary and secondary hypertension is that primary hypertension doesn’t have a definite cause, while secondary hypertension results from a distinct cause, such as a health condition.

Causes of Secondary Hypertension are:

• Effects of an existing medical condition such as:

1. Kidney disease
2. Adrenal diseases like Pheochromocytoma, Conn’s syndrome, and Cushing’s syndrome
3. Thyroid problems
4. Hormonal imbalances
5. Coarctation or tightening of aorta
6. Obstructive sleep apnoea

• Side effects of certain ongoing medications like:

1. Birth control pills
2. Diet pills
3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), including aspirin and ibuprofen
4. Anti-depressants
5. Immune system suppressants
6. Decongestants
7. Stimulants

What are the Risk Factors of Hypertension?

While primary hypertension has no identifiable cause, it does have some risk factors. These include:

1. Consuming a diet rich in salt
2. Having a family history of high blood pressure
3. Being over the age of 65
4. Being physically inactive for extended periods
5. Drinking excessive coffee and alcohol
6. Being overweight
7. Taking high levels of stress

The main risk factors that can cause secondary hypertension include a medical condition that can increase the blood pressure. These conditions are primarily associated with the kidney, artery, heart, or the endocrine system.

What are the Symptoms of Hypertension?

There are no clear symptoms evident in people who have primary hypertension. Symptoms of secondary hypertension depend on the underlying medical condition or medications. Examples of symptoms in several illnesses include –

• Cushing’s syndrome:

1. Loss of menstrual periods in women
2. Weight gain
3. Purple lines on the abdomen’s skin

• Thyroid abnormalities:

1. Acute fatigue
2. Weight gain or loss

• Obstructive sleep apnoea:

1. Tiredness in the daytime
2. Snoring
3. Pauses while breathing during sleep

• Pheochromocytoma:

1. Sweating
2. Rapid heartbeats
3. Headache
4. Anxiousness

What are the Complications Associated with Hypertension?

Regardless of the type of hypertension, several common complications can arise from it, including:

1. Heart attack or stroke
2. Aneurysm
3. Heart failure
4. Eye problems
5. Dementia
6. Changes in memory or understanding capacity
7. Kidney problems
8. Metabolic Syndrome

What Does the Differential Diagnosis of Hypertension Involve?

The first step of the diagnosis is to ascertain the stage of hypertension. This involves grouping blood pressure based on the readings. Categorising into different stages of hypertension facilitates the treatment procedure.

The table below highlights the different stages of hypertension.

Furthermore, a differential diagnosis of hypertension involves conducting hypertension tests to obtain a conclusive cause, which may include-

1. Ambulatory monitoring – This test involves extensive and periodic monitoring of blood pressure levels over six or 24 hours.
2. Lab tests – These are simple blood and urine tests conducted to check for conditions that can result in high blood pressure. Other lab tests include checking cholesterol, blood sugar levels, kidney or liver functions, and thyroid levels.
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – This test entails measurement of the heart’s electrical activity and rate of heartbeat. During the test, electrodes on the chest, arms, and legs connect to a monitor that records the results.
4. Echocardiogram – This test uses sound waves to generate detailed heart visuals, showing blood flow and valve movement.

How to Manage Hypertension?

Some of the common yet practical ways to manage hypertension effectively include –

1. Eating a healthy, nutritious diet with low sodium content
2. Exercising regularly
3. Avoiding smoking and other tobacco use
4. Limiting the consumption of alcohol
5. Maintaining a proper body weight

Regardless of the type, hypertension can lead to serious complications, but with a proper understanding of its causes and symptoms and by making healthy lifestyle changes, it can be effectively managed.
Upon experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s advisable to consult a doctor and book a hypertension test with Dr Lal PathLabs for proper diagnosis.
For further information on booking appointments and test results, download the Dr Lal PathLabs app now.

FAQs

1. 1. 1. Can stress cause primary hypertension?
         Stress is not the direct cause of primary hypertension, but it’s one of the risk factors and may increase the chances of it.
      2. How to reduce hypertension?
         To manage hypertension, it’s important to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid stress, and limit alcohol consumption.