The Six Types of Hypertension

Most people think that there is only one type of hypertension. They usually refer to it as high blood pressure. It has been called the “silent killer”. That’s because there usually are no symptoms to alert the sufferer. It is a good idea to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

The common type is known as primary hypertension sometimes called essential. Even though it is the most diagnosed type, there is no known cause.

Next, there is the type called secondary hypertension. It is usually caused by factors that are sometimes curable. Some of the causes are pregnancy related. It can also be brought on by thyroid dysfunction, tumors, sleep apnea, alcohol, and some medications to just name a few.

Malignant Hypertension is the worst type. It is very severe and it just keeps getting worse with time. It very quickly will lead to organ damage. If it is not properly treated, it will result in death in as little as five years for most sufferers. Intensive treatment can reverse the condition and prevent complications. It is not brought on by cancer. And, it is not caused by any malignancy.

Isolated Systolic type may be diagnosed in older folks. The systolic, which is the top number, stays above 160. And, the diastolic is below 90. This is caused by the stiffening of the arteries. And the loss of the elasticity in arteries like the aorta; sometimes diagnosed as arteriosclerosis. It is very important to receive treatment, because it can help prevent strokes and heart disease.

White coat type is brought on by anxiety. The individual’s blood pressure is high only when it gets tested by someone in a clinical environment, like a hospital. Here is where the term “white coat” comes from. It is then recommended that such a person have blood pressure readings performed in a more relaxed area. If it shows a normal reading, then simple follow up tests in a non clinical area will be sufficient. It is good to make sure that persistent hypertension is not developing.

Make a few lifestyle changes. Less alcohol and cut down on the salt. Maybe lose some weight. Eat a low fat diet. Have more fruit and green vegetables.

Resistant Hypertension is determined when a patient’s blood pressure will not be lowered below 140/90; even with treatments using triple-drug regimen.

The causes can be many things. Medical testing is recommended. The usual causes are

(1) patient noncompliance with regard to treatment,

(2) secondary hypertension (sometimes caused by over activity of adrenal glands),

(3) fluid retention (often from kidney failure).

It is very important to make certain that what seems to be resistant hypertension is not simply white coat hypertension.

The sad fact is that the most usual cause of resistant hypertension is patient non-compliance. This happens when the patient refuses or cannot comply with the prescribed treatment regimen.

Sometimes, the patient cannot afford the medications that are prescribed. The pharmacy may just be too far away. It may be difficult to keep doctor appointments.

There may be underlying issues that will require some problem solving to be done by the patient and the medical practitioner.