Hypertension or high blood pressure is a major health issue and it matters because of the devastating effects that it can produce. Research shows that seven out of 10 people on their first heart attack actually have high blood pressure also eight out of ten people getting their first stroke actually are also dealing with high blood pressure. There are many causes of high blood pressure as discussed in this article.
There are thousands of deaths every day that can be linked to high blood pressure or hypertension.
As we know that high blood pressure is a major issue, so, today we are going to talk about its causes. Here we’ll talk about some common causes of high blood pressure. You can work on some of these causes to remove high blood pressure itself.
These causes are as follows.
- Excessive Sodium Intake or Salt Intake
- Excessive Alcohol Intake
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Anxiety and Stress
- Older Age
- Genetics
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Disorder of Adrenal Glands and Thyroid
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Now, we will discuss these causes in detail and one by one. Some of these causes are controllable by a little bit of change in daily lifestyle. In the last part of this article, these workable causes shall also be discussed.
Common Causes of Hypertension
1. Excessive Sodium Intake or Salt Intake
Salt, more than 3 grams per day increases the risk of hypertension. Always check the sodium content of your food, and keep looking at the labels of packed food. Avoid excessive salt in your diet.
For cutting down the sodium quantity, the most important thing is to eat less processed food. It means that you should avoid most foods that are sold in cans, jars, or boxes. You should also avoid eating at restaurants.
2. Excessive Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol intake can lead to the development of hypertension. For a man that is more than two drinks per day and for a female that’s more than one drink per day.
As everyone knows that benefits or advantages of alcohol are very few when compared to its disadvantages. So, keep trying to eliminate the use of alcohol from your lives.
3. Sedentary Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle surely increases the risk of hypertension and exercise is a great way to lower your blood pressure. So, keep moving and stay active.
4. Obesity
Obesity and being overweight are risk factors for hypotension and this is something that we can surely work on. Also, this goes hand in hand with number three. So, having an active lifestyle can take care of your great issues.
5. Smoking
Smoking is at number five and it is last on this list but not the least in fact. If you smoke, you should quit smoking regardless of any concerns. Smoking puts you in a lot of trouble especially if combined with high blood pressure.
And if you have cholesterol problems or diabetes then you need to be extra cautious. Smoking itself is a leading cause of preventable heart disease and death.
6. Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress do not affect your blood pressure for a longer period of time but they can boost your blood pressure dramatically for a shorter interval.
In fact, when you are in a stressful situation, your body produces a heave of hormones. Due to this surge of hormones, your blood pressure increases temporarily resulting in a faster heartbeat and your blood vessels shrink.
7. older age
The vascular system that is a network of blood vessels changes with growing age. At an older age, arteries become stiffer. This stiffness of arteries results in high blood pressure.
High blood pressure or hypertension is a common and major health problem among older adults.
8. genetics
Genes play an important role in carrying high blood pressure. Studies reveal that high blood pressure or hypertension may transfer from parents to children or we can say those kids whose parents have high blood pressure are at a higher risk of carrying high blood pressure.
9. Chronic kidney disease
Kidneys and blood pressure have a very close relationship with each other. Due to chronic kidney disease, you may become a patient with hypertension or high blood pressure. Also, hypertension or high blood pressure may be the cause of chronic kidney disease.
It is not a matter of concern which problem you had first, high blood pressure badly damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys.
Kidneys play an important role in controlling and regulating blood pressure within the normal range. Weaker kidneys are not able to perform well resulting in high blood pressure.
10. Disorder of Adrenal Glands and thyroid
The disorder of adrenal glands may result in high blood pressure. If your adrenal glands produce excessive aldosterone, cortisol, or hormones same as adrenaline, it may result in high blood pressure.
The overactive or underactive thyroid gland may also result in high blood pressure.
11. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea may result in high blood pressure or hypertension. When your breathing stops periodically during your sleep, your body starts producing stress hormones.
These stress hormones may result in hypertension or high blood pressure. Also, these stress hormones may also lead to stroke and heart attack.
So, you can surely work on the first five things. Cut the salt intake, avoid alcohol, lose weight, exercise more, and quit smoking. If you do have high blood pressure and you can possibly work on the first five causes, then there is every possibility that you can get off your pills and not have problems related to high blood pressure any longer.
It would be great if you work on these slowly one by one. You will start noticing a monumental difference in your blood pressure and your overall health. So, a comprehensive approach to hypertension control includes identifying modifiable risk factors early and bringing in timely clinical interventions, lifestyle changes, and recommendations.
One thing should be very clear your doctor’s goal is to prevent you from taking medication. In case you have to, you must take them as prescribed by the doctor. Stay healthy and stay safe.
