Hypertension is a very prevalent illness that may or may not have any cause behind it. In some cases, it can be due to any underlying cause. However, hypertension is broadly divided into primary and secondary hypertension.
It is based on knowing or unknown cause of the illness. Moreover, it can be chronic as it damages the heart and blood vessels, and it doesn’t show any symptoms. It can be fatal.
Key Takeaways
- Primary or essential hypertension has no identifiable cause, while an underlying medical condition causes secondary hypertension.
- Primary hypertension is more common than secondary hypertension, which is relatively rare.
- Primary hypertension is treated with lifestyle modifications and medication, while secondary hypertension is treated by addressing the underlying medical condition.
Primary vs Secondary Hypertension
Primary hypertension is the most common form of hypertension and is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. An underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or the use of certain medications, cause secondary hypertension.
Primary hypertension is defined as high blood pressure above 130 over 80 without any known cause. It is very common and is prevalent in 85% of people with high blood pressure.
Moreover, it is common in an individual’s family history. Usually, it is also associated with high BMI. Furthermore, the cause of primary hypertension is unknown. Since the cause is unknown, thus it is not possible to cure it.
Secondary hypertension is defined as high blood pressure above 130 over 80 with any known cause. It is very rare and is prevalent in 15% or fewer people with high blood pressure.
Moreover, it is uncommon in an individual’s family history. Usually, it is not associated with high BMI. Furthermore, the cause of secondary hypertension is known. Therefore, it is possible to cure the condition.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of comparison | Primary Hypertension | Secondary Hypertension |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Primary hypertension is defined as high blood pressure above 130 over 80 without any known cause. | Secondary hypertension is defined as high blood pressure above 130 over 80 with a known cause. |
| Common | Primary hypertension is quite common. | Secondary hypertension is rare. |
| Prevalent | Primary hypertension is common in 85% of people with high blood pressure, | Secondary hypertension is prevalent in 15% or fewer people with high blood pressure. |
| Family history | Primary hypertension is very common in family history. | Secondary hypertension is not common among family history. |
| High BMI | High BMI is associated with primary hypertension. | It doesn’t associate with secondary hypertension. |
What is Primary Hypertension?
Hypertension is very common among people. However, there are two types of hypertension, primary hypertension and secondary hypertension, based on known or unknown causes. Primary hypertension is also known as idiopathic hypertension.
It is defined as high blood pressure above 130 over 80 without any known causes. The symptoms associated with primary hypertension are severe headaches, vision problems, and dizziness.
Although, noticeable symptoms were only observed at a higher level of blood pressure.
For diagnosis, a patient’s reading is noted three to four times, as well as possible causes are checked. However, there are no known causes traced, but there is sometimes a family history of hypertension present.
Due to a family history of hypertension, a child of that family is most likely to have hypertension. Therefore, it is a risk factor for having a family history of hypertension.
Even a high BMI can lead to hypertension. Additionally, high salt intake and genes are all risk factors in the case of hypertension.
Primary hypertension is not curable as there’s no known cause. But, the symptoms can be maintained at a healthier level, so it doesn’t interfere with normal life.
Moreover, the treatment includes medications to lower blood pressure. Besides, lifestyle changes and exercise also help in maintaining it. And a lower intake of salt is considered an imminent change.
What is Secondary Hypertension?
Secondary hypertension is another very rare type and is 15% or fewer people with high blood pressure. It is defined as high blood pressure above 130 over 80 with any known cause.
The symptoms associated with primary hypertension are blurry vision, feeling of unsteadiness, bad headache, and dizziness. Although, symptoms were only evident at a higher level of blood pressure.
For diagnosis, a patient’s reading is noted three to four times, as well as possible causes are checked. However, there is a known cause behind secondary hypertension.
Thus, the cause can be vascular problems of renal arteries and kidney diseases. Additionally, there can be other causes, such as adrenal tumours, excess alcohol consumption, and oral contraceptives.
Besides, it is uncommon in an individual’s family history. Usually, it is not associated with high BMI. Thus, genes are not one of the factors, but high salt intake can worsen the situation.
People with adrenal problems, thyroid gland, and kidney issues can mostly lead to secondary hypertension. Additionally, alcohol consumption and oral contraceptive can also be risk factors.
Secondary hypertension is curable as there is a known cause. If the cause is cured, secondary hypertension is sometimes completely cured. Moreover, the treatment includes blood pressure medications.
Main Differences between Primary and Secondary Hypertension
Hypertension is a very common illness that can be chronic if unmanaged. It causes damage to the heart and blood vessels with no symptoms.
They are divided into primary and secondary hypertension based on causes. Primary and secondary hypertension is different from each other, however, people can’t tell them apart due to their shared similarities.
- Primary hypertension is defined as high blood pressure above 130 over 80 without any known cause. Meanwhile, secondary hypertension is defined as high blood pressure above 130 over 80 with a known cause.
- Primary hypertension is quite common, while secondary hypertension is rare.
- Primary hypertension is common in 85% of people with high blood pressure. Meanwhile, secondary hypertension is prevalent in 15% or fewer people with high blood pressure.
- Primary hypertension is very common in family history, while secondary hypertension is not common in the family history.
- High BMI is associated with primary hypertension, while it doesn’t associate with secondary hypertension.
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/01.hyp.16.1.89
- https://www.bmj.com/content/2/6035/554.short
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
Great scientific explanation about the differences between primary and secondary hypertension!
It’s very interesting to see how different risk factors are associated with primary and secondary hypertension, I appreciate the detailed information.
The comparison table was informative, thank you for providing such useful information in such a clear manner.
I disagree with the statement that 85% of people with high blood pressure have primary hypertension, the data is inaccurate.
The information provided shows how prevalent and impactful hypertension can be on human health, lifestyle and genetics.
I found the explanation of primary vs secondary hypertension very clear and easy to follow. Thank you.