28. Primary hypertension. Characteristics and etiological factors

90-95% of all cases of hypertension are primary and idiopathic. Although we don’t know the exact cause we do know some risk factors.

Genetic factors

We know that some genetic factors are involved in primary hypertension. If one person in a pair of identical twins has primary hypertension the chance for the other twin to have it is just 40%.

Black populations are more prone to primary hypertension than other populations.

Environmental factors

Several factors have shown to increase the risk for primary hypertension, like:

• Obesity
  • Causes increased sympathetic activity
  • Causes salt and water retention due to hyperinsulinism
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Excessive caffeine intake
• Diet high in sodium
• Diet low in potassium and calcium
• Physical inactivity
• Psychological stress