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Essential Hypertension

By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: February 19, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition:

Essential high blood pressure is also called essential hypertension or primary high blood pressure. Essential high blood pressure is the most common kind of high blood pressure. Almost 95% of people with high blood pressure have the essential or primary kind. In the essential type, high blood pressure occurs without any other medical cause of explanation. In other words, the high blood pressure is primary (not a result of another medical condition). Essential high blood pressure usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50. Control of essential high blood pressure varies for each individual.

Also Known As: Primary Hypertension
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