High blood pressure (hypertension) is caused by a combination of factors affecting how much blood the heart pumps and how hard it is for blood to flow through the arteries. The more blood pumped and the narrower the arteries, the higher the blood pressure

Main Causes of High Blood Pressure

1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension:

• This is the most common type and usually has no identifiable single cause. It tends to develop gradually over many years.
• Risk factors include aging, family history, race (more common and earlier onset in Black people), and lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and obesity

2. Secondary Hypertension:

• Caused by underlying medical conditions or certain medications. It appears suddenly and causes higher blood pressure than primary hypertension.
• Conditions include kidney disease, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid problems, obstructive sleep apnea, and congenital heart defects.
• Certain medicines (e.g., birth control pills, some pain relievers, decongestants) and illegal drugs (cocaine, amphetamines) can also cause it

Lifestyle and Other Risk Factors

• Diet: High sodium (salt) intake is a major contributor as it causes fluid retention, increasing blood pressure. Low potassium intake also affects blood pressure regulation

• Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise contributes to weight gain and higher heart rate, both raising blood pressure

• Obesity: Excess weight causes changes in blood vessels and kidneys that raise blood pressure

• Alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol is linked to increased blood pressure

• Tobacco use: Smoking and vaping temporarily raise blood pressure and damage blood vessels

• Stress: Chronic stress can cause temporary spikes and contribute to long-term hypertension through hormonal changes like elevated cortisol

• Age and genetics: Blood pressure tends to increase with age, and family history increases risk

• Other medical conditions: Diabetes and sleep apnea are linked to higher blood pressure

• Pregnancy: Some women develop high blood pressure during pregnancy

Summary

High blood pressure results from a complex interplay of genetic, physiological, and lifestyle factors. While some causes are unknown (primary hypertension), many cases are related to modifiable behaviors such as diet, exercise, and substance use, as well as underlying health conditions

. This comprehensive understanding highlights the importance of managing lifestyle factors and monitoring health conditions to control or prevent high blood pressure.