Being inactive, consuming too much salt, having excess body fat, and frequently using contraceptive pills can lead to high blood pressure.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
What is high blood pressure?
According to the hypertension treatment guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health in 2010, high blood pressure is defined as having a systolic blood pressure of >= 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure of >= 90 mmHg. (However, it is important to note that this definition applies only to blood pressure measurements taken according to proper procedures in hospitals/clinics. If blood pressure is measured at home or using mobile devices, different diagnostic thresholds may apply).
Causes of High Blood Pressure
The majority of high blood pressure cases in adults are primary hypertension, where the cause is unclear, while only about 10% of cases are classified as secondary hypertension with identifiable causes. Causes of high blood pressure can often be discovered through medical history, clinical examination, and routine laboratory results. Some cases requiring attention for potential causes include: high blood pressure in young individuals.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases affect approximately 80% of the population living in low- and middle-income countries. The leading cause of this high mortality disease is hypertension.
Here are the top 10 causes of high blood pressure that you should be aware of to prevent it:
1. Age
The older you get, the higher your risk of high blood pressure becomes. Older adults are at higher risk for elevated systolic blood pressure due to arterial stiffness.
2. Genetics
If you have a family history of high cholesterol, you should be cautious. Genetic hypertension can lead to health issues in younger people.
Image source: Doctormurray.com.
3. Gender
Men are believed to have a greater risk of high blood pressure compared to women. However, this does not mean that women should not be concerned. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet is essential.
4. Overweight
Being overweight or obese can be one of the leading causes of high blood pressure, but the impact varies among individuals. Those who store more fat in the abdomen, hips, and thighs are at a higher risk for hypertension. Thus, it is important to maintain a healthy weight.
5. High salt intake
Some individuals are sensitive to salt or sodium, which can lead to increased blood pressure. If you are among them, the safest option is to reduce your salt intake. Be very cautious when using salt in cooking and carefully read labels on any processed foods. Fast food tends to be high in salt, so it is advisable to limit these types of food.
6. Alcohol consumption
If you feel tipsy after just two drinks, it is a sign that you should stop drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health and can elevate your blood pressure. Therefore, avoid drinking too much alcohol to maintain stable blood pressure.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption to maintain stable blood pressure. (Image source: internet).
7. Stressful lifestyle
If your life is frequently stressful due to work or other factors, this can contribute to elevated blood pressure. It is important to relieve stress, maintain calmness, and relax.
8. Contraceptives
A recent study found that regular use of contraceptive pills increases the risk of high blood pressure.
9. Sedentary lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle not only leads to an expanding waistline but also increases your risk of high blood pressure. Therefore, try to incorporate more physical activity in any form you enjoy, whether it be playing a sport or walking to work. The reason physical activity can reduce your risk of hypertension is that exercise helps improve blood circulation, keeping blood pressure in arteries and veins within normal limits.
10. Certain medications
Some medications used to treat cold or allergy symptoms can raise your blood pressure. Thus, consult your doctor before taking any medication and inform them of your medical history to avoid complications.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Unfortunately, high blood pressure does not cause any specific or clear symptoms. For this reason, it is often referred to as “the silent killer,” according to Dr. Singh.
Although this condition does not present obvious symptoms, if left untreated, it can lead to damage in other organs and result in various health issues with additional symptoms.
Common examples include chest pain related to heart attacks or weakness and dizziness occurring during a stroke, Dr. Suneet Singh, Director of CareHive Health Center in Austin, Texas, USA, explains.
How to Lower Blood Pressure?
According to Dr. Singh, some basic measures can be employed in all cases of hypertension to lower blood pressure and improve overall heart health. These include:
- Reducing salt, red meat, saturated fats, and alcohol consumption
- Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise, such as brisk walking or running for 30 minutes each day
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Reducing stress
- Avoiding all tobacco products
Dr. Singh states: “If your blood pressure remains high despite lifestyle adjustments, you may need to consider additional medications. Doctors will consult with you to determine which medication regimen is best.”
The bottom line is that, since high blood pressure often has no symptoms, regular health check-ups are essential. The earlier it is diagnosed, the sooner you can make healthier changes.”
