Blood Pressure (high)
Causes
Source: NHS
In this topic (6)
In most cases, it's not clear exactly what causes high blood pressure (hypertension). But there are several things that can increase your risk.
Who's at risk of high blood pressure?
Factors that can raise yourriskof developinghighblood pressure include:
- age the risk of developing high blood pressure increases as you get older
- a family history of high blood pressure
- being of African or Caribbean origin
- a high amount of salt in your food
- a lack of exercise
- being overweight or obese
- regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol
- smoking
- long-term sleep deprivation
Making healthy lifestyle changes can help keep your blood pressure at a normal level.
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Known causes of high blood pressure
In about 1 in 20 cases, high blood pressure occurs as the result of an underlying condition, medication or drug.
Conditions that can cause high blood pressureinclude:
- kidney disease
- diabetes
- long-termkidney infections
- obstructive sleep apnoeaa condition in which the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep, interrupting normal breathing
- glomerulonephritisdamage to the tiny filters insidethe kidneys
- narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys
- hormone problems such as anunderactive thyroid, an overactive thyroid, Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, increased levels of the hormone aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism) and phaeochromocytoma
- lupus a condition in which the immune system attacksparts of the body such as the skin, joints and organs
- sclerodermaa condition thatcauses thickenedskin, and sometimes problems with organs and blood vessels
Medicines and drugs that can increase your blood pressure include:
- thecombined oral contraceptive pill
- steroid medication
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen
- someover-the-countercough andcold remedies
- some herbal remedies particularly those containingliquorice
- some recreational drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines
- some selective serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI)antidepressantssuch as venlafaxine
In these cases, your blood pressure may return to normal once you stop taking the medicine or drug.
- Adrenaline
- Adrenaline is a hormone produced at times of stress that affects heart rate, blood circulation and other functions of the body.
- Genetic
- Genetic is a term that refers to genes- the characteristics inherited from a family member.
- Heart attacks
- A heart attack happens when there is a blockage in one of the arteries in the heart.
- Kidney
- Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdomen, which remove waste and extra fluid from the blood and pass them out of the body as urine.
- Origin
- The origin is the place where something begins.
Articles for Blood Pressure (high)
'My diet and lack of exercise contributed greatly to my stroke'
Read Andy Jones' story about his diagnosis and treatment for high blood pressure.
Causes
Find out what can increase your risk of high blood pressure and what the known underlying causes are.
Diagnosis
Find out when you should get your blood pressure tested, where you can get tested, and what the test involves.
Introduction
Find everything you need to know about high blood pressure (hypertension), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, with links to other useful resources.
Prevention
Find out about the lifestyle changes you can make to prevent and reduce high blood pressure.
Treatment
Read about the main treatments for high blood pressure, including lifestyle changes and medication.
