I10-I15: Hypertensive diseases

I10: Essential (primary) hypertension

Essential or primary hypertension is a common medical condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure. High blood pressure indicates that your heart is working harder than normal to pump blood through your blood vessels, which can lead to severe complications over time. This condition falls under a group of health conditions primarily associated with the function and health of your heart and blood vessels, often referred to as cardiovascular diseases. Usually, primary hypertension develops over many years and affects most people eventually. The exact causes are unknown, but several factors such as age, family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco and alcohol use, stress, and a diet high in salt can increase your risk. Common symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, but many people do not experience any symptoms. In many cases, primary hypertension only gets detected during a routine medical checkup.