What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be caused by various factors. It is most common in adults but can also affect children, often due to problems with the kidneys or heart^[1]. Lifestyle habits such as an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise can contribute to high blood pressure in both adults and children^[1].

In addition, some cases of high blood pressure are classified as secondary hypertension, where there is a specific identifiable cause, such as hypothyroidism^[2]. Other factors that can contribute to hypertension include aging, lack of physical activity, and certain medical conditions or medications^[3].

What causes high blood pressure?

The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known. However, some things may play a role in its development, including:

Smoking

Being overweight

Lack of physical activity

Too much salt in the diet

Drinking too much alcohol (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)

Older age

Family history of high blood pressure (heredity)

Race (African Americans have high blood pressure more often and more severely than White Americans)

Having chronic kidney disease

It is essential to address these risk factors to help prevent or manage hypertension and reduce the associated health risks.

Sources:

1. Mayo Clinic – High blood pressure (hypertension) – Symptoms & causes
2. Healthline – 12 Causes of High Blood Pressure (and How to Prevent It)
3. Cleveland Clinic – High Blood Pressure: Symptoms & Causes

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