Causes of Hypertension

PART 1

Risk Factors for Hypertension

While primary hypertension has no specific cause, there are a number of factors that can put you at risk for developing it. Some are not within your control, like age, race, and genetics.

But other risk factors, like lack of exercise and being overweight, stress, smoking, too much salt in your diet, high cholesterol and fat levels, and overconsumption of alcohol, are all within your control. Chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea, can also be managed.

PART 2

Risk Factors You Can Control

Risk factors that are within your control:

• Obesity


• Smoking or using tobacco in any form


• Drinking too much alcohol


• Lack of exercise


• High levels of fat and cholesterol in your blood


• Too much sodium (salt) in your diet


• Too little potassium in your diet


• Too little vitamin D in your diet


• Oral contraceptives


• Stress


• Certain chronic conditions, like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea

PART 3

Risk Factors You Can’t Control

Risk factors for hypertension that are not within your control:

• Age. The risk of hypertension increases as you age.


• Race. Hypertension is more common among African Americans.


• Genetics. High blood pressure tends to run in families.