diyhealth.com

Hypertension Causes

Hypertension: Causes


Top Causes

1. Family history

Hereditary factors play a vital role in many people who develop essential hypertension. Studies indicate that almost 30 percent of the cases have hypertension running in the family. The incidence is more if the individual has even one parent suffering from hypertension. It is also seen that cases of high blood pressure are substantially more among the African American community than Asians. It is commonly found that the essential hypertension patients have very rigid (less elastic) arteries. The reason for stiffness in the arteries is not known. Hence, individuals with a family history of hypertension are under the risk of developing this disease.ย 

2. Age

Certain factors, such as age, that are not directly under the control of the individual, also contribute to hypertension. A person who is above 35 years of age is at a greater risk of developing high blood pressure. The risk is more because the arteries harden and are more likely become dormant. There is also a slowdown in the functioning of kidneys which leads to slower processing of salt and removal of toxins from the body. Hormonal changes, such as menopause among women, triggers as they get older and they are often at the risk of developing high blood pressure. Men are prone to develop hypertension between the ages of 35 and 55 years, while women face risk after the onset of menopause. Children and adolescents are now increasingly under the risk for hypertension. Obesity and kidney disorders are some of the factors that are the main contributors to hypertension in children.

3. Salt in the diet

Watch the intake of sodium in your diet. Too much of it can easily lead to development of hypertension. Even though sodium is one of the necessary elements that our body needs for functioning, high intake of salt in the diet can cause hypertension. Kidneys can minimally balance the salt intake that our body requires that it receives through diet. The circulatory volume (arterial blood) is high when there is intake of excess salt. This applies surplus fluid pressure on the arteries which narrow and thicken, thus leaving less space in the arteries. This leads to increased pressure to move the blood to other vital organs of the body. The heart works very hard to pump against this pressured system.

4. Stress

When you are in a stressful situation, either mentally, physically or emotionally, the body helps you to react to such a situation by producing enormous amount of hormones. When these hormones are triggered, there is a temporary increase in the blood pressure which makes the heart pound faster and narrows the blood vessels. Research studies are inconclusive to indicate if long term stress leads to development of high blood pressure. However, frequent incidences of stress fluctuates the blood pressure which puts the heart and the kidneys under excess pressure. Hence, people under constant stress have a higher risk of developing long term high blood pressure. Though stress management techniques do not directly reduce the blood pressure, they definitely aid in improving the overall health.ย 

5. Obesity

Extra intake of calories leads to weight gain since the surplus calories that the body does not require is converted into fat. A number of statistics and researches worldwide indicate that obesity is one of the prime factors that increases the risk of this disease. Obesity affects a number of hormones that are responsible to control the salt and water retention in the body. Obesity interferes with proper regulation of blood pressure which leads to high blood pressure. Metabolic functions of the body are hampered due to obesity which risks the individual to suffer from hypertension. Studies indicate that most hypertension patients are diagnosed with diabetes. It is also possible that hypertension in obese patients may also risk other heart related diseases.ย 

6. Salt sensitivity

Studies indicate that about 30 percent of the population is sensitive to salt, which means, that their blood pressure fluctuates when there is an increase in sodium intake. Such fluctuations are more powerful than the normal fluctuations. There are no specific causes known for salt sensitivity. Genetic factors, age, fitness and weight are among a few of the contributors. It is also seen that low levels of potassium and salt sensitivity also risks the onset of hypertension. It is highly recommended for such individuals to avoid the use of processed foods and limit the intake of salt to less than 2,300 mg per day to reduce the effects of salt sensitivity.ย 

7. Thyroid disorders

Thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause high blood pressure. Certain infections also cause hyperthyroidism which leads to excess release of thyroid hormone. This affects the heart to pump harder and thus increases the pressure of blood in the arteries causing hypertension.

ย 

A very low level of thyroid hormone causes hypothyroidism. Impaired function of pituitary gland lowers the release of thyroid hormone which leads to increased resistance in the arteries. Stiff arteries increase the blood pressure thus risking hypertension.

8. Absence of physical activity

Lack of physical exercises easily leads to weight gain which means more blood is required to be transported to various part of the body. The increase in volume of blood adds to pressure within the arteries, causing hypertension. A sedentary, inactive lifestyle also increases the heart rate which makes the heart work harder by contracting its muscles and applying greater pressure on the wall of the arteries, thus creating increased pressure within the body. A minimum of 30 minutes of any type of physical activity that accelerates the heart rate is highly beneficial in reducing the risk of hypertension.ย 

9. Excessive alcohol consumption

Moderate or excessive drinkers, both are at increased risk of hypertension. Alcohol has a direct impact on the bodyโ€™s absorption rate. Higher levels of alcohol mean faster absorption which creates imbalance throughout the body including increase of pressure on the heart. Statistics show that 50 percent of alcoholics have hypertension. Though the link between alcohol and high blood pressure is unknown, alcohol does interfere in the transportation of nutrients and oxygen to the heart through the aorta. This makes the heart pump harder, increasing the blood pressure to supply the essential nutrients to various organs of the body.ย 

10. Medication

Certain drugs such as diet pills, amphetamines, naproxen, ibuprofen, cold and cough medications, migraine and headache medicines and nutritional supplements, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-depressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal drugs and cyclosporine have the tendency to raise the blood pressure. These medicines by themselves or in combination with other medicines can prove to be dangerous for hypertension.

ย 

It is highly recommended to consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter medication for common problems. This is important especially if you are under medication for high blood pressure. There are medicines which interfere with the blood pressure medicine and may hinder the drug from working. It is important for such patients to avoid such drugs that worsen the condition.

11. Pregnancy

Some women develop gestational hypertension which is quite harmful for both the mother and the fetus. It can have a direct impact on the motherโ€™s kidneys and other organs. Pregnant women suffering from this condition may give birth to very low weight and premature babies. In certain cases, women also develop pre-eclampsia, a condition which relates to hypertension and urine protein (which results due to kidney disorder). This condition can affect the motherโ€™s liver, brain and kidneys and, in severe cases, lead to seizures causing maternal death. Women who are obese, have hypertension running in the family, have metabolic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disorders etc., or already have high blood pressure, are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia. Taking regular prenatal care and medications to control the blood pressure can go a long way in preventing problems during pregnancy. Pregnant women must avoid alcohol and tobacco, which further aggravate the condition.ย 

Today's Top Articles:

Scroll to Top