Thera

Primary (essential) hypertension:

  • Multifactorial etiology including epigenetic, genetic, and environmental factors

  • Directly related to total peripheral resistance and cardiac output

  • Risk factors for primary hypertension Non-modifiable risk factors - Positive family history - Race and ethnicity - Advanced age

    Modifiable risk factors - Overweight and obesity (greatest modifiable risk factor) - Uncontrolled diabetes  - Smoking - Excessive alcohol intake - Diet high in sodium  and low in potassium - Physical inactivity - Psychological stress


  1. Genetic background with multifactorial inheritance. Family history of cardiovascular disease . hypertension is more common in some families and in some ethnic groups like Africans, Americans.
  2. Environmental factors: include obesity, alcohol, lack of exercise (Sedentary life style)and , cigarette smokers (Adds 20/10 mmHg). excess salt intake.
  3. Stress.
  4. Sex: more in males(2:1) and postmenopausal women .
  5. Others :High cholesterol diet, Co-existing disorders such as diabetes and hyperlipidaemia