Home » Diagnosis » Distinguishing Primary and Secondary Hypertension Hypertension can be discussed under primary and secondary hypertension. These two are counted as major classifications of hypertension or high blood pressure complications. Distinguishing primary and secondary hypertension is not a very tough job and it is an essential aspect of diagnosis of high blood pressure. Primary hypertension refers to a physical condition when the human body is having high blood pressure but no proper cause is detected for that complication. In primary hypertension, genetic and lifestyle factors are taken into consideration. Abnormal body weight and salt intake influence primary hypertension. It is interesting to note that 95% of the people suffering from hypertension complications actually suffer from primary hypertension. When the doctor fails to detect any proper cause, then, the diagnosis is primary hypertension.

Secondary hypertension is a bit complicated concept. As the name implies, secondary hypertension crops up from other medical problems like kidney disorders. Secondary hypertension can thus be defined as a sign and symptom or complication of some other disease and so, it is not an ailment but the effect or manifestation of another ailment. Pregnancy complications, Cushing syndrome, alcohol consumption, use of oral contraceptives and intake of certain medicines can intensify secondary hypertension complications. Thus, distinguishing primary and secondary hypertension is extremely important in detecting any ailment other than common high blood pressure complications. After distinguishing primary and secondary hypertension, the doctor opts for the necessary treatment mode. Primary hypertension can be controlled with medicines though it might not be cured. In most of the cases, people suffering from primary hypertension have to take medicines throughout the lifetime. But, in secondary hypertension, the main disease should be cured first and if the ailment is cured, the automatically the manifestations of the ailment would be controlled. If the primary ailment persists, then the secondary hypertension cannot be cured.

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