There are two types of Hypertension:
- Primary Hypertension
- Secondary Hypertension
You are said to have primary hypertension, when there are no identifiable causes of high blood pressure. It is also called essential hypertension which tends to develop gradually over many years.
Primary Hypertension accounts for 90-95% of all cases of Hypertension.
When your hypertension is caused by an underlying medical condition, it is called secondary hypertension. It tends to appear suddenly. The medical conditions can be:
- Kidney problems
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries)
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Thyroid problems
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Obesity
- Pregnancy (known as gestational hypertension)
- Anxiety or stress
- Cushing's syndrome
Causes of high blood pressure also include certain medications that can precipitate hypertension as a side effect, like:
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Corticosteroid medications
- Decongestants
- Common cold medications
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
