aetiology

The aetiology of hypertension is dealt with under in two sections:

• aetiology of essential hypertension
• aetiology of secondary hypertension

The physiological systems which have been implicated in the aetiology of hypertension include:

• cardiac factors, especially cardiac output
• increased peripheral vascular resistance
• renin-angiotension system activation
• sympathetic nervous system overactivity
• endothelin, nitric oxide and atrial natriuretic peptide may have important roles

Last reviewed 08/2021