What is Essential (Primary) Hypertension?
Essential primary hypertension is the most common form of high blood pressure and is a condition of elevated blood pressure that cannot be attributed to a specific cause. This type of hypertension develops as a result of a combination of genetic predisposition, lifestyle, dietary habits, obesity, stress, and environmental factors. Essential hypertension constitutes approximately 90-95% of all hypertension cases and can cause damage to vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys if not controlled over a long period. It is important to manage it with regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and medication if necessary.
The term “essential” emphasizes the complex and multifactorial origin of this condition. It usually develops slowly over the years, initially shows no obvious symptoms, and therefore follows a “silent” course. Due to its prevalence and asymptomatic onset, regular blood pressure measurement is of great importance for early diagnosis.
Causes of Essential (Primary) Hypertension
While the exact cause of essential hypertension is unknown, a combination of genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors can trigger this condition. Individuals with a family history of hypertension are at higher risk. Additionally, habits such as excessive salt consumption, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, stress, and smoking can contribute to the elevation of blood pressure. These factors strain the blood vessels over time, increase blood pressure, and lead to hypertension by increasing the load on the heart.
The causes of essential (primary) hypertension may include:
- Genetic Factors: Risk increases in individuals with a family history of hypertension.
- Lifestyle: Unhealthy eating habits, excessive salt consumption, lack of physical activity, and obesity can cause high blood pressure.
- Aging: Blood vessels lose elasticity with age, and blood pressure may increase.
- Stress: Constant stress can lead to elevated blood pressure.
Symptoms of Essential (Primary) Hypertension
Essential (primary) hypertension does not cause significant complaints in most people. However, some individuals may experience the following symptoms:
- Morning headaches (especially in the neck area)
- Dizziness or feeling of lightheadedness
- Nosebleeds
- Blurred vision or visual changes
- Ringing in the ears
- Shortness of breath, especially during exercise
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety or irritability
- Facial flushing
However, it is important to note that these symptoms are not specific to hypertension and can be seen in many other health problems. Hypertension is mostly detected by blood pressure measurements during routine health check-ups.
Diagnosis of Essential (Primary) Hypertension
Repeated blood pressure measurements are essential for diagnosis. In addition, complete blood count, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, kidney and liver function tests, electrolyte levels, thyroid tests, and urinalysis are performed. Target organ damage is assessed with ECG, echocardiography, and fundoscopic examination. 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring aids in diagnosis.
Treatment of Essential (Primary) Hypertension
Essential hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that typically develops without an apparent cause and can arise from the influence of many factors such as genetic factors, lifestyle, and stress. Since this condition can progress over the years, the treatment process is usually long-term.
The first step in treating essential hypertension is lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, low salt intake, regular exercise, weight control, and stress management greatly contribute to regulating blood pressure. Additionally, getting adequate sleep and limiting tobacco and alcohol consumption are important parts of treatment. These lifestyle changes are fundamental ways to control hypertension and can be effective in most patients even without medication.
However, medication is introduced when lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient. Medications used in the treatment of essential hypertension aim to lower blood pressure and protect the health of the heart and blood vessels. Medications are usually personalized according to factors such as the patient’s age, additional health problems, and blood pressure level. These medications include various options such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
Treatment of essential hypertension requires continuous monitoring and follow-up. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, adherence to treatment, and adjustment of medication doses according to the doctor’s recommendations are important. The combination of lifestyle changes and medication is the most effective method for controlling high blood pressure.
Ways to Prevent Essential (Primary) Hypertension
It is important to adopt healthy eating habits, reduce daily salt consumption, and maintain an ideal weight. Regular physical activity should be performed, and smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided. Stress-reducing measures should be taken, and a regular sleep pattern should be established. Preventive measures include regular blood pressure checks and keeping risk factors under control.
Related Topics
Reference: Primary Hypertension
