What causes high blood pressure?

What causes high blood pressure?

What causes high blood pressure?

Current medical literature states that the cause of high blood pressure is known in only 5% of cases, while 95% is unknown. When I attended medical school, I learned that the cause of high blood pressure was known in only 10% of cases, while 90% were unknown. Other sources state that the exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown but may be related to hereditary and environmental factors. Known causes lie in a very small field, while the unknown continues in a vast area. The known causes are:

• People with chronic kidney disease

• Tumors in the kidneys, adrenal glands, lungs, or brain that secrete substances that affect blood pressure

• Lesions of the vascular system such as aortic coarctation or vasculitis

• The use of oral contraceptive pills

• Some drugs and toxins such as cocaine and amphetamines

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Constipation of the urinary tract

• Pregnancy induced hypotension

• Conditions that destabilize calcium, potassium or magnesium levels

Additionally, there are risk factors that predispose individuals to high blood pressure. It is therefore reasonable to assume that these are also identified causes of high blood pressure in individuals. These include:

• Being overweight or obese

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Excessive amounts of alcohol

• Smoke

• Put too much salt in your meals

• Poor eating habits

• Sedentary lifestyle and sedentary lifestyle

• Stress

In my professional opinion, while these are causes that are considered risk factors, the following are real risk factors. These include:

• Family history of hypertension

• Age – The risk increases with age

• Racial studies show that black races are associated with a higher risk of developing high blood pressure

Although high blood pressure is far more common in adults, a growing number of children are being diagnosed with high blood pressure due to poor lifestyle habits. such as an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise.

While hypertension was first mentioned as a disease in the early 19th century; It is a modern disease with very well known causes caused by the feedback from this society. Currently, more than a billion people worldwide suffer from high blood pressure. However, don't be discouraged, you can reverse or control the condition by paying attention to your blood pressure. Treatment for high blood pressure includes dietary changes, medication and exercise.

This information serves as a guide to prevent the progressive increase in blood pressure and its complications. However, it is the doctor's responsibility to diagnose the condition.

By Esmeralda Franco / Mansilla MD

Inspired by Esmeralda Mansilla