Which statement best differentiates primary hypertension from secondary hypertension?

• A. Primary hypertension is acute; Secondary hypertension is chronic.
• B. Primary hypertension is chronic with no underlying disease; Secondary hypertension results from another disease or medication.
• C. Primary hypertension is caused by another disease or medication; Secondary hypertension is chronic with no underlying disease.
• D. Primary hypertension has genetic factors only; Secondary hypertension is related to lifestyle.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is the cause. Primary (essential) hypertension is a chronic condition with no identifiable secondary disease driving it; its development reflects a mix of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Secondary hypertension arises from another medical condition or from medications or substances, and addressing that underlying issue can often reduce or resolve the high blood pressure. So, primary hypertension is chronic with no underlying disease, while secondary hypertension results from another disease or medication. The other statements mix up timing or causes—primary isn’t inherently acute, it isn’t caused by another disease or medication, and secondary isn’t merely a lifestyle-related issue.