There are several underlying factors that could contribute to hypertension. Here are seven of them.
In most cases the causes of hypertension are unknown, which makes this disease even more dangerous, one can have it and not know it.
There is primary hypertension – that for the most part the causes are unknown and then it is secondary hypertension – which could be the result of underlying conditions.
1. high sodium intake – Sodium causes vascular smooth muscle to constrict smaller blood vessels creating more resistance to blood flow, thus raising pressure. Also, sodium causes the body to retain water. With the added water, more pressure is exerted against the blood vessels, causing the pressure to rise.
The recommended daily intake of salt is 5g. Americans consume 2 to 4 times that amount.
2. Genetics – If hypertension is hereditary, it is recommended that you consult your doctor to control your pressure.
3.Medicine – Herbal supplements and some allergy medicines can also raise your blood pressure, eg Aleve, Motrin, Advil, nasal decongestants and sprays, also birth control pills. These can interfere with your blood pressure medicine.
4. Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption is another cause of hypertension, studies have shown that when heavy drinkers reduce their alcohol intake, their high blood pressure drops a couple of points.
5. tuxedo – The nicotine in tobacco causes the narrowing of the blood vessels, which puts more pressure on the heart and increases the pressure. Additionally, smoking causes plaque buildup, which causes an increase in blood pressure.
6. aging factor – This is a factor we have no control over – As you get older, your blood pressure tends to rise.
7. Breed – Studies have shown that African Americans have a higher risk of hypertension than white Americans. Those with the lowest risk are white women, black women with the highest risk.
Some of the causes of hypertension that we have control over and that could be avoided or eliminated, reducing salt intake, drinking moderately, if at all, and quitting smoking could all lead to a healthier lifestyle. Also, regular exercise goes a long way in reducing high blood pressure.