Different Types of Hypertensions and How to Manage Them

Your blood pressure is determined by two factors: the amount of blood that your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the more constricted your arteries are, the higher your blood pressure.

Blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer, a device that typically attached to your arm, wrist or finger that provides a reading in two numbers expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The first or upper number indicates systolic pressure, or the pressure exerted on your blood vessels when your heart beats. The second and lower number indicates diastolic pressure, or the force exerted when the heart rests between beats.

A blood pressure reading is considered normal when the systolic blood pressure is between 120 and 129 and the diastolic blood pressure is between 80 and 85. Hypertension is a potentially dangerous condition in which blood pressure is consistently high. If you experience high blood pressure on a regular basis, you may be at risk for one of the five types of hypertension.

Primary hypertension

Also known as essential hypertension, this is a type of high blood pressure that is typically not linked to a secondary cause, disease or medical condition. Primary hypertension is the most common form and most adults with hypertension fall into this category. While its cause is still unknown, research indicates that it may be linked to age, genetics and lifestyle and tends to develop gradually over many years.

Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension is most commonly caused by an underlying condition, tends to appear more suddenly and can cause higher blood pressure than primary hypertension does. Various conditions and medications can contribute to the development of secondary hypertension, including:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Kidney disease
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Thyroid problems
• Certain congenital birth defects in the blood vessels
• Certain medications including birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs

Isolated systolic hypertension

If your systolic blood pressure rises above 140, but your diastolic blood pressure stays below 90, you may be experiencing isolated systolic hypertension. This form is more common in people aged 60 and over, and should be monitored and addressed to reduce the risk of developing into related health concerns.

Malignant hypertension

This type of hypertension refers to extremely high blood pressure levels that develop rapidly and can lead to organ damage. While a normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80, a person with malignant hypertension has a blood pressure that’s typically above 180/120, which is considered to be hypertensive. When patients who are hypertensive have a rapid increase in their blood pressure, it’s considered to be a crisis that requires instant medical treatment, as it could lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness or kidney failure.

Resistant hypertension

Resistant hypertension is a condition in which your blood pressure remains high or uncontrolled despite the medications you’re taking to lower it. According to John Hopkins Medical, this type of hypertension does not respond well to aggressive medical treatment and is most often affected by old age and obesity.

Hypertension symptoms

In most cases, people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings climb to dangerously high levels. Some patients have reported headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds. However, these symptoms usually occur when blood pressure reaches very severe states. Play it safe and consult a medical professional if you think your blood pressure may be affecting your health!

Hypertension treatment and management

The good news about high blood pressure is that is preventable and even manageable. Here are a few simple lifestyles changes you can make to decrease your chances of developing hypertension: 

• Don’t smoke.
• Eat a healthy and balance diet or fruits, vegetables and protein.
• Cut back on sugar and carbohydrates.
• Limit your alcohol consumption.
• Maintain a moderate weight.
• Manage your stress level.
• Eat less salt and more potassium.

Now that you know the risks and signs of hypertension, make checking your blood pressure a part of your daily routine to help stay on top of your heart health!