what are types of hypertension?

What is Hypertension?

Blood pressure is the force your blood puts on the walls of your arteries. If this pressure stays too high for too long, it damages your blood vessels and organs. A normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg. Readings consistently above 130/80 mmHg are considered high.

 Main Types of Hypertension

what are types of hypertension?


1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension

Definition:
This is the most common type—about 90–95% of all cases.

Cause:
It develops gradually over time and has no identifiable single cause. It’s linked to a mix of:

  • Genetics

  • Age

  • Lifestyle (diet, stress, inactivity)

  • Obesity

  • Excess salt intake

Example:
A 45-year-old office worker with no major illness but high blood pressure due to stress and poor diet.

2. Secondary Hypertension

Definition:
This type is caused by another underlying medical condition.

Common causes include

  • Kidney disease

  • Hormonal disorders (e.g., Cushing’s syndrome, hyperthyroidism)

  • Medications (e.g., birth control pills, steroids, NSAIDs)

  • Sleep apnea

  • Adrenal gland tumors

Example:
A person with uncontrolled diabetes or a kidney problem suddenly develops high blood pressure.

Important: Secondary hypertension can often be reversed if the root cause is treated.

 Other Classification Types (Based on Symptoms and Conditions)

3. Isolated Systolic Hypertension

Definition:
Only the systolic pressure (the top number) is high—usually above 140 mmHg, but the diastolic (bottom number) stays normal.

Common in:
Older adults, due to stiff arteries.

Why it matters:
It’s linked to increased risk of stroke and heart disease, even if diastolic pressure is normal.

4. White Coat Hypertension

Definition:
Blood pressure is high at the doctor’s office but normal at home.

Cause:
Anxiety during medical visits.

How to confirm:
24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring or home readings.

5. Masked Hypertension

Definition:
The opposite of white coat hypertension—normal in the clinic but high at home or during daily activities.

Danger:
It often goes unnoticed and increases the risk of heart problems.

6. Malignant (Accelerated) Hypertension

Definition:
A rare but severe form of hypertension where BP rises suddenly and dangerously, often above 180/120 mmHg.

Symptoms:

  • Blurred vision

  • Chest pain

  • Headaches

  • Kidney damage

  • Confusion or stroke

This is a medical emergency! Immediate care is needed.

7. Resistant Hypertension

Definition:
Blood pressure that stays high despite taking 3 or more different medications, including a diuretic.

Causes may include:

  • Poor medication adherence

  • Hidden secondary causes

  • Lifestyle factors like alcohol, obesity, salt

8. Gestational Hypertension

Definition:
High blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy in a woman who previously had normal BP.

It may lead to:

  • Preeclampsia (if protein appears in urine)

  • Preterm birth

  • Risk to mother and baby

 Quick Comparison Table

Type Key Features
Primary Hypertension Most common; develops over time without a clear cause
Secondary Hypertension Caused by another medical issue
Isolated Systolic Hypertension Only top BP number is high
White Coat Hypertension High BP in clinic, normal at home
Masked Hypertension Normal in clinic, high in real life
Malignant Hypertension Dangerously high BP with organ damage
Resistant Hypertension BP not controlled despite 3+ meds
Gestational Hypertension High BP during pregnancy


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