essential hypertension
nounMedical Definition of essential hypertension
: a common form of hypertension that occurs in the absence of any evident cause, is marked hemodynamically by elevated peripheral vascular resistance, and has multiple risk factors (as family history of hypertension, high dietary sodium intake, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and emotional stress)
— called also idiopathic hypertension, primary hypertension
— see malignant hypertension