Hypertension: What Are the Different Types?

With every 1 in 3 adult suffering from hypertension, it would not be wrong to say that it is an ever-increasing medical problem. It is known as a silent killer as most people are not able to identify its signs in the early stages. Also, it has been divided into different types. Let’s find out!

Different types of hypertension:

• Essential hypertension: It is also known as primary hypertension. Generally, there is no known or identifiable cause associated with it. However, according to research it is said to happen because of genes, diet and poor lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol abuse and so on. Patients suffering from it may experience frequent headaches, tiredness, dizziness, or nose bleeds. 
• Secondary hypertension: Abnormality in the functioning of the arteries supplying blood to your kidneys, is said to be the most common reason behind this type of hypertension. Other causes include airway obstruction during sleep, diseases and tumors of the adrenal glands, hormone abnormalities, thyroid disease, and high salt intake or excess consumption of alcohol. Even, some over-the-counter medications can also lead secondary hypertension. 
• Isolated systolic hypertension: In isolated systolic hypertension, the systolic pressure rises above 140, while the lower number stays near the normal range, which is below 90. This form of hypertension is more commonly seen in people over the age of 65. Loss of elasticity in the arteries is a leading cause behind it. 
• Malignant hypertension: It is quite an uncommon form of hypertension and is more oftenly found among younger adults. It happens when your blood pressure rises extremely quickly. In case your diastolic pressure goes over 130, is it then that you may have malignant hypertension. You must know that it is not normal and needs immediate medical assistance. 
• White coat hypertension: It is said to occur only when a patient’s blood pressure reading is taken in a doctor’s clinic. Patients feel really stressed when they visit a clinic and it is believed that this is the reason behind this form of hypertension. Whereas, when the reading is taken  at home, it might come out to be normal. 
• Resistant hypertension: If your doctor has prescribed three different types of medications to treat your condition and yet your blood pressure readings continue to remain high, then you may have resistant hypertension.