- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Hypertension, Primary
May also be called: Primary Hypertension; Essential Hypertension; Idiopathic Hypertension; High Blood Pressure
Primary hypertension (hy-pur-TEN-shun) is high blood pressure with no known cause.
More to Know
Blood pressure is the pressure the blood forces against the blood vessel walls as the heart pumps. When someone has high blood pressure, the heart and arteries have a much heavier workload. The heart must pump harder and the arteries are under greater strain as they carry blood.
Having high blood pressure puts someone at a higher risk for stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, loss of vision, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
There are two types of high blood pressure, or hypertension:
- Secondary hypertension has a known cause, such as kidney disease, heart disease, or certain medications. Most young kids with high blood pressure have secondary hypertension.
- Primary hypertension has no identifiable cause and is the most common cause of high blood pressure in older kids and adults. When school-age kids and teens have primary hypertension, it's usually linked to excess weight.
Treatment for primary hypertension usually begins with lifestyle changes, including weight loss, regular exercise, reducing salt intake, and avoiding alcohol. If lifestyle changes alone aren't enough, a doctor may recommend medications to lower blood pressure. This type of treatment is usually reserved for severe cases of hypertension or those that cause symptoms such as headaches or seizures.
Keep in Mind
Untreated high blood pressure can eventually damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. But if it's caught early, monitored, and treated, those who have it can lead active, normal lives.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.