Final answer:
Primary (essential) hypertension is a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood pressure not caused by an underlying medical condition. It is primarily caused by genetic and lifestyle factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary (essential) hypertension is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure that is not caused by an underlying medical condition. It is primarily caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. While the exact pathogenesis is not fully understood, it is believed that genetic variations can affect the regulation of blood pressure, leading to increased levels. Lifestyle factors such as a high-salt diet, alcohol consumption, and obesity can also contribute to the development of primary hypertension.