What are 10 Causes of Hypertension?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can stem from a variety of factors. Here are 10 common causes:

10 Key Causes of Hypertension

1. Age: Blood pressure naturally tends to increase with age. As we get older, our arteries become less flexible, leading to higher blood pressure.

2. Family History and Genetics: A family history of hypertension significantly increases your risk. Genetic factors play a substantial role in determining blood pressure levels.

3. Lifestyle Habits: Unhealthy habits like a diet high in sodium and saturated fats, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute significantly to hypertension.

4. Medications: Certain medications, such as some over-the-counter pain relievers and steroids, can raise blood pressure as a side effect.

5. Other Medical Conditions: Several underlying health conditions, including chronic kidney disease, sleep apnea, and metabolic syndrome, are closely linked to hypertension. For example, kidney disease can impair the body's ability to regulate sodium and water balance, thus increasing blood pressure.

6. Race or Ethnicity: Certain racial and ethnic groups, such as African Americans, have a disproportionately higher incidence of hypertension.

7. Sex: Men tend to develop hypertension earlier in life than women, though after menopause, women's risk increases significantly. Hormonal changes play a role.

8. Obesity: Carrying extra weight, particularly around the abdomen, increases the workload on the heart and contributes to higher blood pressure.

9. Stress: Chronic stress can trigger the release of hormones that narrow blood vessels, leading to elevated blood pressure.

10. Smoking: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Note: This list is not exhaustive, and some individuals may have hypertension due to a combination of these factors or other less common causes like tumors or endocrine disorders (as mentioned in some of the provided snippets). Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.