What factors contribute to high blood pressure?

Even with the help of medical science it is difficult to understand the cause of specific cases of high blood pressure. However, there are certain factors that seem to contribute in many of these cases that you can watch out for.

There are basically two types of factors- ones that can be controlled, and those that cannot. Those that can be controlled are factors that depend on various aspects of your lifestyle. Obesity is a common predecessor to cases of high blood pressure. People that have a high body mass index(BMI), usually of 30.0 or higher, are more likely to develop high blood pressure. Having high sodium content in your diet can also be a cause of high blood pressure. Excess of alcohol, or a continued use of alcohol is also known to increase blood pressure dramatically. Smoking cigarettes causes high blood pressure because nicotine, the drug found in cigarettes causes narrowing in small blood vessels, making blood flow more difficult. The use of oral contraceptives, such as birth control pills can also contribute to high blood pressure in select women, especially if they also smoke. The lack of physical activity is usually affiliated with other factors like obesity or alcohol use, drawing its connection to high blood pressure. Finally, stress is said to be a common factor that results in high blood pressure, but it is not clear because levels of stress cannot be measured systematically.

Then, there are factors that an individual has no control over, such as heredity, race, sex, or age. Those who have blood pressure in the family are also more likely to develop the condition. Statistics show that African Americans develop high blood pressure more often that Caucasians, and it tends to occur earlier and be more severe. Men are generally at a slightly higher risk than women. The risk increases for women when they are pregnant and after they reach menopause. Finally, the older you get, there is a higher risk for high blood pressure.

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Healthy Living® Blood Pressure FAQ ö Are women more likely to develop hypertension? (complications with age/pregnancy) ö Are women more likely to develop 'white coat' hypertension? ö Blood Pressure Guidelines ö Can children develop high blood pressure? ö Can high blood pressure lead to bone weakening? ö Do I have to use my left wrist? ö Does hypertension increase chances for a stroke? ö How do I know I have High Blood Pressure? ö How does hypertension affect my chances of getting kidney disease? ö How is the wrist monitor positioned on my wrist? ö What causes high blood pressure? ö What factors contribute to high blood pressure? ö What if I get an ERROR reading? ö What is blood pressure? ö What is considered Normal Blood Pressure? ö What is the risk of developing diabetes with hypertension? ö What position should I be in when taking a measurement? ö Why are my measurements higher at the doctor's office? ö Why does my blood pressure fluctuate? ö Why is it important to control my blood pressure? ö Why should I monitor my blood pressure at home?

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