What Causes Hypertension?

Hypertension is caused by smoking, coronary artery disease, kidney disease, and poor diet. In addition, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle are causes of hypertension. When hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not managed, complications such as renal failure can occur. When coronary artery disease and blocked arteries are present, blood flow is impeded, which also causes hypertension and can contribute to heart attack and stroke.

Although hypertension is called the silent killer because of its lack of symptoms, manifestations can include dizziness and nosebleeds. Typically, sodium causes hypertension, so patients should decrease salt intake and eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Smoking also causes hypertension and can also promote hardening of the arteries, breathing problems, and elevated cholesterol levels.

When consumed in excess, alcohol causes hypertension. Although moderate drinking might have cardiovascular benefits, heavy drinking is never beneficial and can also cause cirrhosis of the liver, disorders of the pancreas, and an increased risk of certain cancers. When drinking becomes a problem, individuals should seek treatment through their physicians or hospitals or through community services.

Frequently, family history of high blood pressure causes hypertension. Although family history is a significant risk factor for hypertension, there many measures people can take to reduce this risk. When other remedies are ineffective in reducing blood pressure, prescription medications are often recommended. Side effects of anti-hypertensive medications include fatigue, urinary frequency, slow heart rate, and exercise intolerance.

Moderate reductions in weight can often significantly reduce blood pressure. Other simple strategies to lower hypertension include mild exercise and stress management. Before starting an exercise program, it is highly recommended that patients check with their health care providers to make sure exercise will not endanger their health. In addition, talking with the physician about ways to manage anxiety can help reduce stress related high blood pressure.

Occasionally, renal failure causes hypertension and can cause symptoms of ankle and facial swelling, nausea and vomiting, decreased ability to urinate, and profound weakness. Timely evaluation and treatment of renal failure can help manage hypertension and sometimes prevent complications of further organ damage. Blood tests including those that check for levels of creatinine, protein, blood urea nitrogen, and potassium can evaluate kidney function. When these levels are abnormal, the physician might recommend further tests.

Sometimes causes of hypertension cannot be determined, however, the condition still needs to be treated. Most of the time, when the underlying cause of high blood pressure is diagnosed and treated, hypertension improves. For example, when people lose weight or quit smoking or when kidney problems resolve, high blood pressure normalizes. Furthermore, patient compliance with medications, diet, and exercise can dramatically promote the resolution of hypertension.