Essential hypertension accounts for about what percentage of adults with hypertension with no recognized cause?

Essential hypertension accounts for about what percentage of adults with hypertension with no recognized cause?

• A. About 10%
• B. About 90%
• C. About 50%
• D. About 30%

Answer: (B)

Essential hypertension is high blood pressure with no identifiable underlying cause after evaluation. It represents the vast majority of cases, about 90% of adults with hypertension. That’s why the option around ninety percent is the best choice. The remaining cases have secondary hypertension, where an identifiable condition such as kidney disease, endocrine disorders, certain medications, or sleep apnea is driving the elevated pressure. Essential hypertension is considered multifactorial, arising from a combination of genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors (like diet, obesity, and activity level), and aging, rather than a single disease process. This combination explains why it makes up roughly nine in ten cases rather than smaller percentages.

Essential hypertension is high blood pressure with no identifiable underlying cause after evaluation. It represents the vast majority of cases, about 90% of adults with hypertension. That’s why the option around ninety percent is the best choice. The remaining cases have secondary hypertension, where an identifiable condition such as kidney disease, endocrine disorders, certain medications, or sleep apnea is driving the elevated pressure. Essential hypertension is considered multifactorial, arising from a combination of genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors (like diet, obesity, and activity level), and aging, rather than a single disease process. This combination explains why it makes up roughly nine in ten cases rather than smaller percentages.