Why over 90% of hypertension causes remain unknown –Physician

A Consultant Nephrologist at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State, Dr. Loskurima Umar says over 90 per cent of the causes of hypertension cases are not known.

Dr. Umar explained that hypertension can be classified into primary and secondary hypertension, noting that while primary hypertension does not have a known cause, secondary hypertension has specific causes and is a complication of another health problem.

He, however, stressed that primary hypertension is responsible for most hypertension cases.

“Primary hypertension is the most common form of hypertension and over 90 per cent of hypertension is known to be primary hypertension. Primary means that there is no cause for it. The remaining per cent, like less than five percent, is referred to as secondary hypertension.

“Primary means that there is no cause for it. Secondary hypertension has causes which include kidney diseases, thyroid diseases, and others,” Dr. Umar said on a programme tagged: ‘#TalkingHealthwithDrLaz’ aired on Africa Independent Television.

According to the World Health Organisation, hypertension or elevated blood pressure is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risks of heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases.

Known as a silent killer, most people with hypertension are unaware of the problem because it may have no warning signs or symptoms. 

“When symptoms do occur, they can include early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision changes, and buzzing in the ears. Severe hypertension can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors.

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“The only way to detect hypertension is to have a health professional measure blood pressure. Having blood pressure measured is quick and painless. Although individuals can measure their own blood pressure using automated devices, an evaluation by a health professional is important for assessment of risk and associated conditions,” WHO said.

The global health body says the WHO African Region has the highest prevalence of hypertension (27 per cent) while the WHO Region of the Americas has the lowest prevalence of hypertension (18 per cent).

It noted that the number of adults with hypertension increased from 594 million in 1975 to 1.13 billion in 2015, with the increase seen largely in low- and middle-income countries. This increase is due mainly to a rise in hypertension risk factors in those populations.

Speaking further, Dr. Umar said age, family history, obesity or overweight, and sedentary lifestyles are risk factors for hypertension.

“Age is a risk factor for hypertension. We should understand that majority of hypertension does not have a known cause while secondary hypertension may have a known cause. But, some risk factors can be considered in hypertension which includes if one has a family history of hypertension -let’s say the father or mother, then when that particular person grows, there are chances that he or she will be hypertensive later in life.

“Obesity or overweight is a predisposing factor to hypertension. Consuming high calories can predispose one to hypertension. Sedentary lifestyles are a risk factor for hypertension.”

The physician said hypertension usually shows no symptoms, noting that symptoms mostly manifest after it has caused damage to an individual. 

“So it’s very important to check your blood pressure regularly once or twice a year once you pass the age of 30.

“Primary hypertension does not have a cure. All we can do is manage it and that can be done if the person visits the hospital, and sees the doctor.

“Secondary hypertension means there is a particular cause for hypertension and once you treat that cause, the person will have a normal blood pressure but primary hypertension is the common type of hypertension, which does not have a particular cure.

“If you’re hypertensive, it is good for you to regularly visit the doctor. If hypertension is diagnosed and one is not following the rules that were stated, hypertension can cause damage to the important organs in the body,” Umar said.