World Hypertension Day 2019: Uncommon reasons you may have high blood pressure

Essential hypertension is usually linked to genetics, poor diet, lack of exercise and obesity. Whereas secondary hypertension may be caused by a number of uncommon causes or diseases.

hypertension, world hypertension day, blood pressure, indian express — World Hypertension Day is celebrated on May 17 every year. (Photo by iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity around the world, and is an important risk factor for chronic disease burden in our country. While 90-95 per cent of patients having high blood pressure have no clear etiology and are classified as having primary or essential hypertension, 5-10 percent of people may have an underlying pathology or a reversible cause behind their high blood pressure (secondary hypertension).