What are three possible causes of hypertension?

Essential causes of high blood pressure include stress, anxiety and unhealthy lifestyle, but it can happen on its own as well, or it can result from a previously underlying medical condition.

Here are some of the most common essential or primary cases of hypertension:

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Excessive salt intake

According to the American Heart Association, a person’s sodium intake should more than 1,500 milligrams per day), otherwise it can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Arteries & blood vessels

Abnormalities in the blood vessels and arteries (like thickening or narrowing) may also result in higher blood pressure.

Increased blood volume

Increased blood volume increases the pressure of blood on arterial walls, which could also cause hypertension.

Genetic disorders

Genetic factors play an important role in the development of hypertension. In some rare cases, family history of hypertension is caused by genetic disorders within single genes.

Stressful life

When you are stressed, your body releases a type of hormone that spikes your blood pressure level.

Some of the conditions and medications that might trigger secondary hypertension include:

Certain medicines

Some medications like Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Cough and Cold Medications, migraine headache medications, weight loss drugs etc. may also raise your blood pressure. 

Recreational drugs

Some recreational drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines (speed) and ecstasy) can raise your blood pressure significantly to multiply the risk of heart disease.

Pregnancy

Gestational hypertension may occur due to several causes like obesity, inactivity, first-time pregnancy, family history, or assistive technology like IVF.

Sometimes underlying health conditions may also cause hypertension:

Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common cause of secondary high blood pressure. Obstructive sleep apnea episodes produce a spike in systolic and diastolic blood pressure that keep your blood pressure levels elevated.

Kidney disease

In some cases kidney disease causes the arteries of our kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden, which may lead to high blood pressure as well.

Adrenal gland tumor

Hypertension is also very common cause for adrenal gland tumors or dysfunctions such as Cushing’s syndrome.

Thyroid disease

One of the most common symptoms of thyroid disease is high blood pressure.

Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs may result in hypertension. Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines also lead to high blood pressure.

Alcohol & Smoking

Alcohol abuse, and smoking or chronic alcohol use can lead to high blood pressure as well.