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Causes of High Blood Pressure

Contrary to popular belief, high blood pressure is not caused by being nervous, but has its origins in lifestyle and/or genetic factors, or in some cases, another pre-existing condition.

There are two classifications for high blood pressure: primary high blood pressure and secondary high blood pressure.

Primary High Blood Pressure

The majority of high blood pressure cases can be classified as primary or essential hypertension. In these cases, the cause is unknown, however is often related to lifestyle and hereditary factors. ²

Lifestyle factors that can contribute to the risk of developing primary high blood pressure include:¹

• Eating an unbalanced diet
• Eating a diet high in salt
• Not exercising regularly
• Being obese
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Drinking too much caffeine

These factors can contribute to a narrowing of the arteries, a greater than normal volume of blood being pumped through the blood vessels, or the heart beating faster or more forcefully than it should. This causes increased resistance in the artery walls which can result in high blood pressure. ⁵

As you get older, the cumulative effects of an unhealthy lifestyle can build up and your blood pressure can increase

Genetic factors can also be causes of primary high blood pressure, but unfortunately these cannot be controlled. ¹ Contributing genetic factors include:

• Ethnic origin: people from African-Caribbean and South Asian communities are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure
• Family history: you are at greater risk if other members of your family already have the condition ¹

Secondary High Blood Pressure

Secondary high blood pressure makes up only around 5% of all high blood pressure cases, and is a result of an underlying condition or cause. These include²:

• Kidney disease or kidney infection
• Narrowed arteries
• Hormonal conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, where an excess of steroid hormone is produced
• Tissue disorders such as lupus, where the immune system attacks healthy tissue
• Taking medication such as oral contraceptives or certain types of painkillers
• Taking illegal stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and crystal methamphetamine

In these cases, treating the primary medical problem should result in the blood pressure lowering back to normal levels. ¹

Disease Information

• Angina
• Depression
• Diabetes (Type 2)
• Heart Attacks
• Heart Failure
• High Blood Pressure
• Osteoporosis (Postmenopausal)
• Stroke