Essential Hypertension

2 medicines

Essential hypertension is persistently high blood pressure with no single identifiable cause, treated with medicines such as the ARBs irbesartan and telmisartan.

Avapro

Irbesartan

150/300mg

Avapro is a heart blood pressure medication containing Irbesartan, available as 150/300mg tablets.

from $1.06 / tablet View

Micardis

Telmisartan

20/40/80mg

Micardis is a heart blood pressure medication containing Telmisartan, available as 20/40/80mg tablets.

from $0.75 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Essential hypertension is high blood pressure that develops without a single identifiable cause. It accounts for around 90 to 95% of all hypertension cases.
  • Arteries gradually stiffen and narrow, so the heart works harder to push blood through, keeping pressure elevated even at rest. Age, genetics, high sodium intake, excess body weight, inactivity, and chronic stress all contribute.
  • Most people have no noticeable symptoms for years, which is why regular blood pressure checks matter.
  • First-line treatment often includes angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) such as irbesartan and telmisartan, which relax blood vessels without the dry cough linked to ACE inhibitors.

Why blood pressure rises and stays high

In essential hypertension, the arteries gradually become stiffer and narrower. The heart then works harder to push blood through, keeping pressure elevated even at rest. Age, genetics, high sodium intake, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and chronic stress all contribute. Most people have no noticeable symptoms for years, which is why regular monitoring matters even when you feel fine.

Medicines that lower blood pressure

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are a well-established class for heart and blood pressure conditions. They block a hormone pathway that constricts blood vessels, letting arteries relax. Irbesartan and telmisartan are both ARBs used widely in essential hypertension; telmisartan has an unusually long action covering a full 24 hours, which suits once-daily dosing. ARBs are generally well tolerated and do not cause the dry cough associated with the related ACE inhibitor class.

When to see a doctor

Get your blood pressure checked regularly even without symptoms, since essential hypertension is often silent until it causes damage. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience a sudden severe headache, blurred vision, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, as these can signal a hypertensive crisis.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.