Final answer:
Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by a specific identifiable condition, such as chronic kidney disease or an endocrine disorder. It comprises about 10% of cases, whereas the majority of hypertension cases are primary or essential hypertension, which is largely influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypertension and its Types
When hypertension is attributed to a specific identifiable pathology or condition, it is referred to as secondary hypertension. This type accounts for approximately 10% of all hypertension cases and is generally caused by underlying conditions such as chronic kidney disease or endocrine disorders like Cushing's disease. On the other hand, primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, accounts for at least 90% of cases and is primarily due to genetic and lifestyle factors, such as dietary salt and alcohol consumption. The term essential hypertension is synonymous with primary hypertension and indicates that no specific medical cause can be found to explain a patient’s condition. Lastly, malignant hypertension is a severe form of high blood pressure that rapidly progresses and can lead to damage to various organs.
Hypertension is often labeled as the "silent killer" because it generally does not produce obvious symptoms but can lead to severe health complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure. It is crucial to manage hypertension through medication, diet changes, and exercise to prevent these serious health issues.