What is the most common type of hypertension, accounting for 90-95% of cases?

Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is the most prevalent form of high blood pressure, constituting 90-95% of all cases. It is characterized by high blood pressure without a known secondary cause. The etiology of primary hypertension is multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. This includes risks such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, excessive salt intake, age, and family history of hypertension.

In contrast, secondary hypertension results from identifiable causes such as chronic kidney disease, endocrine disorders, or certain medications, making it less common. Resistant hypertension refers to blood pressure that remains high despite treatment with multiple antihypertensive medications, whereas atypical hypertension may describe cases that do not fit the typical patterns of primary or secondary hypertension but are not a recognized category in most classifications.

Understanding the distinction between primary and secondary hypertension is crucial in clinical practice for proper diagnosis and management, as the underlying causes and treatment strategies differ significantly.