Causes of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common disorder of the circulatory system.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Normal level of blood pressure is 120/80 mm of Hg. If a person‘s systolic blood pressure exceeds 140 mm of Hg and diastolic pressure exceeds 90 mm of Hg then he is diagnosed to be suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure.

Some of the factors that contribute to the development of high blood pressure are as follows:

Hereditary Factors increases the risk of hypertension

High blood pressure often runs in families. Genetic predisposition plays a major role in the development of high blood pressure.

Advancing age leads to the hardening of arteries.

As age advances the arteries start to lose their elasticity and tend to become harder. The hardening of arteries alters the pressure with which the blood flows through them. As a result of this the person is more prone to develop high blood pressure with advancing age.

Obese people are more at a risk of developing high blood pressure

Obese people who lead a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of physical activity and exercise are more at a risk of developing high blood pressure. The heart has to pump blood with an extra force in obese people making them more susceptible to hypertension.

People leading a stressful life may develop high blood pressure

Nowadays stress is the leading cause of many ailments like high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and stroke. When a person is under stress the heart rate gets elevated due to the release of a hormone called adrenaline. As a result of this blood is pumped into the body at a force higher than normal. When a person is under constant stress the heart has to overwork by beating harder and by pumping blood faster. The blood pressure gets elevated after any physical exertion or exercise and returns back to normal levels during rest. This situation is normal. But in case of stress the person continuously thinks about the stressful situations and the blood pressure is constantly elevated. Hence people living under stress are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure. Stress is also known to elevate the blood pressure in people already under medication for hypertension.

Sedentary life style increases risk of high blood pressure

Studies have shown that high blood pressure is more common in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle with lack of physical activity. Eating junk food, high fat diet and lack of exercise leads to obesity thereby making these people more susceptible to hypertension.

Hypertension as a result of other medical conditions

High blood pressure may be caused because of other medical conditions like kidney disease and thyroid disorders in which high blood pressure is one of the symptoms.

Heavy drinking may also increase the risk of high blood pressure

Hypertension can also be caused as a result of heavy consumption of alcohol and heavy smoking.

Click Here for Help with Hypertension