Essential (primary) hypertension
Essential hypertension is a condition where the long-term force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high without an identifiable external cause.
Connect with verified specialists experienced in managing conditions related to Circulatory System Diseases.
Find CardiologistsClinical Overview
Think of your arteries as pipes that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. When you have essential hypertension, the pressure inside these pipes stays higher than it should be, which puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels.
Unlike some conditions caused by a specific illness, 'essential' or 'primary' hypertension means the high blood pressure develops gradually over many years due to a complex mix of your genetics and daily habits. It affects your entire circulatory system, which is the network of vessels that keeps your body powered with oxygen.
Common Symptoms
- Most people feel completely normal and have no symptoms at all, which is why it is often called the silent killer.
- Severe cases may cause dull headaches.
- Some people experience dizzy spells or occasional nosebleeds, though these are not common or specific to the condition.