What Causes High Blood Pressure?
High Blood Pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition where the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. While the exact cause of high blood pressure can sometimes be elusive (termed primary hypertension), several factors are known to contribute.
Unhealthy lifestyle habits are major culprits in the development of high blood pressure. Excessive sodium intake is a well-established risk factor. When you consume too much salt, your body retains fluids, which increases the volume of blood your heart needs to pump, putting a strain on your circulatory system. Additionally, lack of physical activity, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to high blood pressure.
Certain medical conditions and genetic factors can also play a role. Chronic health problems like diabetes and kidney disease can increase your risk of developing hypertension. Family history is another factor, as having a parent or sibling with high blood pressure increases your own risk. It's important to note that these are just some of the common causes. In some cases, there may be no identifiable cause (primary hypertension), highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for overall cardiovascular health.
