Primary (Essential) Hypertension

Primary, or essential hypertension, hypertension is the most common form of high blood pressure, occurring in about 90 to 95 percent of cases. There is no known specific cause. However, there are several factors that – alone or in combination – can increase the risk of developing primary hypertension. These include: 

• Family history of high blood pressure. 
• Obesity (body mass index of 30 or greater).
• Lack of regular exercise.
• Smoking.
• Advanced age.
• High caffeine intake (according to some studies).
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Diet high in fats oils and (especially saturated fats).
• High cholesterol levels.
• Inherited problems in the body’s angiotensin-renin system, which influences all factors related to controlling blood pressure: blood vessel constriction, heart cell development, sodium and water balance, and the “salt genes,” which play an important role in the relationship between salt and high blood pressure.
• Inherited problems in the body’s sympathetic nervous system, which controls heart rate, blood pressure and the diameter of the smaller arteries (arterioles) in the body.
• Type 2 diabetes. Half of all patients with type 2 diabetes also have high blood pressure, making hypertension a primary feature of type 2 diabetes.
• Insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes.
• Low levels of nitric oxide, which affects the smooth muscles that line blood vessels to keep them relaxed and flexible. Nitric oxide may also help prevent blood clots.
• Low calcium and magnesium intake.
• Certain personality types, including people who are prone to anger or impatience.

Evidence also continues to build linking sodium intake with high blood pressure. Salt affects blood pressure because it causes the body to retain more water.

Normally, the kidneys flush this excess salt and water from the body. However, kidneys that are not functioning properly are unable to expel it sufficiently from the body, which will lead to fluid retention. Because the function of the kidneys is so closely tied with the body’s circulatory system, changes in blood pressure will prompt the kidneys to make an adjustment. If the kidneys malfunction and there is excess fluid in the system, hypertension can result.

 
Conversely, if high blood pressure exists, the kidneys may slow, and excess salt and fluid will collect in the body, adding further to the problem.