What should you know about primary and secondary hypertension?

Primary hypertension usually reflects several influences, such as inherited tendency, age, salt sensitivity, weight, alcohol, stress, and activity patterns. Secondary hypertension has a more specific driver, such as kidney disease, hormone disorders, obstructive sleep apnoea, or a medicine. High blood pressure may have no noticeable symptoms, so readings and medical assessment matter more than how you feel. Long-term uncontrolled pressure can damage blood vessels and organs.

Your clinician may repeat readings, review medicines and substances, and order blood or urine tests when a secondary cause is possible. Keep a record of home readings if requested, take prescribed treatment consistently, and work on realistic changes to salt intake, movement, sleep, alcohol, and weight. Treatment may also address [Chronic Kidney Disease](/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/), [Obesity](/conditions/obesity/), or [Obstructive Sleep Apnoea](/conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnoea/).

Seek emergency help for severe chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, new weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, or sudden vision loss. These symptoms can occur with serious problems such as [Stroke](/conditions/stroke/) or [Heart Failure](/conditions/heart-failure/), and should not be judged by a blood pressure reading alone. Arrange prompt review if readings remain high or treatment causes troublesome dizziness.

Ask whether your pattern suggests a secondary cause, which tests are appropriate, what target applies to you, and how other conditions affect your treatment.