Often no specific cause of hypertension can be identified (primary or essential hypertension). As a rule it manifests itself after the age of 30. Influencing factors are genetic predisposition, constitution (physical build and excess weight), dietary factors (high salt intake, excess weight), stress and endocrinal factors. Essential hypertension is often associated with ''metabolic syndrome' disorders. These include:
Early arterial sclerosis, i.e. hardening of the arteries occurs at the end of this illness due to a number of factors. If a high pulse pressure stresses the inelastic blood vessels, a break open of depositions may occur (Plaqueruptur).
Secondary hypertension is the result of another disease. Most often these include kidney disease (constriction of the renal arteries or chronic renal disease) or changes in hormone balance.