WHAT CAUSES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can have numerous causes, which are typically categorized into primary (essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension.

Primary (Essential) Hypertension

This is the most common type of high blood pressure, and it develops gradually over many years without a specific identifiable cause. Various factors can contribute to primary hypertension:

1. Genetics: High blood pressure tends to run in families.
2. Age: The risk of hypertension increases as you age.
3. Ethnic Background: Certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, are at higher risk.
4. Gender: Men are more likely to develop hypertension before age 55, while women are more likely after age 55.
5. Lifestyle Factors:
   • Diet: High sodium (salt) intake, low potassium intake, excessive alcohol consumption, and a diet high in saturated and trans fats.
   • Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain and high blood pressure.
   • Obesity: Excess weight increases the strain on your heart and blood vessels.
   • Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco can temporarily raise blood pressure and damage arterial walls.
6. Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to hypertension, especially when stress-coping mechanisms include unhealthy behaviors like poor diet, physical inactivity, and smoking.

Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. It tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than primary hypertension. Conditions and medications that can lead to secondary hypertension include:

1. Kidney Disease: Conditions such as chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, and polycystic kidney disease can affect the kidneys’ ability to regulate blood pressure.
2. Adrenal Gland Disorders: Issues like hyperaldosteronism, Cushing’s syndrome, and pheochromocytoma can cause the adrenal glands to produce excess hormones that elevate blood pressure.
3. Thyroid Problems: Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can affect blood pressure regulation.
4. Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This condition causes interrupted breathing during sleep, which can raise blood pressure.
5. Congenital Blood Vessel Defects: Conditions such as coarctation of the aorta, a narrowing of a portion of the aorta, can lead to high blood pressure.
6. Certain Medications: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), decongestants, birth control pills, and some prescription drugs, can increase blood pressure.
7. Illegal Drugs: Substances such as cocaine and amphetamines can cause hypertension.
8. Chronic Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol over time can increase blood pressure.
9. Hormonal Disorders: Conditions like hyperparathyroidism can affect calcium levels, which in turn can affect blood pressure.

WHAT CAUSES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

Risk Factors

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing high blood pressure:

• Family History: Genetics play a role in the development of hypertension.
• Age: The risk increases with age.
• Race: African Americans are more likely to develop hypertension at an earlier age and have more severe cases.
• Obesity: Excess weight increases the demand on the heart and can contribute to high blood pressure.
• Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to hypertension.
• Poor Diet: High sodium intake, low potassium intake, and unhealthy dietary habits can increase blood pressure.
• Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are significant risk factors.
• Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to hypertension, particularly when stress-coping mechanisms include unhealthy behaviors.
• Chronic Conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea increase the risk of hypertension.

By understanding and managing these risk factors, individuals can take steps to prevent or control high blood pressure. Regular check-ups and monitoring, along with lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication, are crucial in managing hypertension.