Causes of High Blood Pressure

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1.2 billion people worldwide suffer from high blood pressure. So, what are the causes of high blood pressure, and how is it accurately diagnosed? Keep reading to find out.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure depends on the amount of blood the heart pumps and the difficulty blood has flowing through the arteries. Therefore, anything that affects these factors, such as narrowing of the arteries or dehydration, will influence blood pressure.

Doctors classify blood pressure based on its cause into two types, and a person can suffer from one or both. Here are the causes of each type:

• Primary Hypertension

Primary, or essential, hypertension is the most common type and has no known or specific cause. It tends to develop gradually over several years. However, certain factors can increase the risk:

1. Age: People over 65 are more likely to develop this type of hypertension.
2. Race: Black non-Hispanic individuals are also more susceptible.
3. Sedentary lifestyle: Insufficient exercise and low fitness levels are linked to high blood pressure.
4. High Sodium intake: Consuming more than 1.5 grams of sodium daily is associated with high blood pressure.
5. Alcohol: Heavy or chronic alcohol consumption contributes to high blood pressure.
6. Obesity: Causes heart problems and can raise blood pressure.
7. Diabetes: Those diagnosed with diabetes or metabolic syndrome are at higher risk.
8. Genetics: A family history of hypertension increases the likelihood due to genetic mutations or inherited abnormalities.
9. Other Factors: Such as insufficient intake of magnesium, calcium, and potassium, as well as stress and anxiety.

• Secondary Hypertension

This type results from a specific, identifiable cause, often related to another health condition. It typically appears suddenly and is more severe than primary hypertension. Common causes of secondary hypertension include:

1. Kidney Disease: The most common cause of secondary hypertension.
2. Thyroid Disorders: Both underactive and overactive thyroid can affect blood pressure.
3. Congenital Heart Defects: Some people are born with heart and blood vessel defects that cause high blood pressure.
4. Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This condition causes breathing problems and oxygen deprivation, which can damage arteries.
5. Adrenal Gland Disorders: Tumors and other issues in the adrenal glands can release hormones that raise blood pressure.
6. Medications: Hormonal birth control, especially those containing estrogen, certain cough and cold medications, painkillers, drugs affecting blood vessels, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants can cause high blood pressure.
7. Substance Abuse: Drug abuse, including cocaine and amphetamines, can be a cause of high blood pressure.

How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

Diagnosing high blood pressure is very straightforward; it involves taking a blood pressure reading using a device, and most clinics perform this as part of routine care.

If blood pressure is high, a doctor may request monitoring and recording readings over several days or weeks. If it remains high, additional tests and analyses might be required to rule out underlying conditions, including:

• Cholesterol screening.
• Other blood tests.
• Ultrasound of the heart and kidneys.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG).

Blazma provides a blood pressure monitoring service through blood pressure measurement analysis that does not require prior preparations.