Hypertension is a well-known disease also referred to as high blood pressure and affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its common occurrence, untreated hypertension may have serious consequences.

What is Hypertension?

Blood pressure is the strength that circulating blood puts on the walls of the body’s arteries, which are the largest blood vessels in the human body. Hypertension is when this pressure remains too high consistently making heart and blood vessels work harder. Often called “the silent killer,” it usually has no symptoms until significant harm has occurred.

Causes of Hypertension

Often, determining the exact cause of hypertension may not be easy because it can generally be divided into two types: primary (essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension.

Primary (Essential) Hypertension:

• Genetic Factors: Family history is significant because if your parents or other close relatives have suffered from high blood pressure, then you are at risk as well.
• Age: The danger of having high BP rises with age. As one gets older, his/her blood vessels slowly lose some elasticity, thereby increasing their resistance to the flow of blood.
• Lifestyle Factors: Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor diet, physical inactivity, too much alcohol intake and smoking can contribute to primary hypertension development.

Secondary Hypertension:

• Kidney Disease: Conditions affecting kidneys can lead to hypertension since they are vital organs for regulating BP levels.
• Hormonal Disorders: Some hormonal imbalances like those due to Cushing’s syndrome or hyperthyroidism cause HBP.
• Medications: Some drugs including birth control pills (oral contraceptives), decongestants and OTC pain relievers increase BP levels.
• Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea which involves repeated cessation of breathing during sleep is linked with HBP.

Risk Factors for Hypertension

Unhealthy Diet:

• High Salt Intake: Sodium overdose causes your body to retain water, raising your blood pressure.
• Poor Nutrition: High intake of saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol in the diet can promote high BP.
• Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise makes weight rise and this is a major factor for hypertension. Regular activities help you keep a healthy weight and may lead to reduced BP.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts an additional burden on the heart that can cause HBP. Additionally, fatty tissue produces substances that increase blood pressure levels.

Alcohol and Tobacco Use:

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can result in raised BP.
• Smoking: The chemicals found in tobacco harm the walls of blood vessels thus increasing BP.
• Stress: Hypertension may be caused by chronic stress. Moreover, stress-related practices like eating unhealthy diets, drinking alcohol or smoking worsen the condition further increasing its risks.
• Chronic Conditions: Diabetes as well as high cholesterol are often associated with hypertension.

Knowing why we suffer from high blood pressure or what the factors are that can lead to this disease is key to its prevention and control. By living a healthful life, eating the right food, exercising daily and avoiding tobacco as well as excessive alcohol, one can minimize the chances of having hypertension. Consistent checking and monitoring of your blood pressure can also detect hypertension before it becomes severe enabling treatment to start in time.

Importantly you should bear in mind that hypertension is not a terminal illness. With an awareness-based approach, you will be able to make your own decisions regarding the way forward thus minimizing complications related to your condition – high blood pressure.