Hypertension is broadly classified into two types based on the causes.

1. Essential hypertension
This occurs as a result of genetic and environmental interactions. It accounts for more than 95% of hypertension. Most of my discussion here is related to essential hypertension. The factors that increase the risk of having essential hypertension are outlined below.
• Race – A black man is more likely to develop hypertension compared to a white man under the same conditions. The tendency for us to develop hypertension is inherited just like our colour, height and other traits are inherited.
• Age – the older one gets the more likely the risk of having hypertension
• Sex - a male is likely going to have hypertension earlier than a female. However, after menopause the incidence becomes equal.
• Diet – High salt diet intake and excessive alcohol ingestion have been linked to the development of hypertension.
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise.
• Sedentary lifestyles.
• Other medical conditions like high cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity and glucose intolerance have been linked to hypertension. Your doctor will investigate you for these conditions when a diagnosis of hypertension is made.
• Previous history of hypertension in pregnancy.
• Other factors that may increase the risk of hypertension is having a family member who has hypertension (Father, mother, siblings not wife or husband!). I usually advise my patients who are newly diagnosed hypertensive patients to tell their siblings to check their blood pressure.

source: http://medicalinfosblog..com.ng/2016/11/hypertension-what-causes-hypertension.html

2. Secondary hypertension
Hypertension occurs in this group of people as a result of an underlying disease condition or use of some drugs known to cause hypertension.
In some cases, if the underlying cause is removed, the blood pressure may become normal.
Causes of secondary hypertension include
Endocrine problems – hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease or syndrome
Renal causes – chronic kidney diseases, glomerulonephritis, hypernephroma
Drugs – steroids, cocaine, amphetamines
Most of these conditions will require definitive treatment and your doctor will advise you on how to manage these conditions.

CC: lalasticala people need to read this.