Causes of High Blood Pressure

In most cases of high blood pressure, the American Heart Association says there is no one identifiable cause. This kind of high blood pressure is called primary hypertension or essential hypertension. It is usually a combination of factors, such as:

• Weight. The greater your body mass, the more pressure there is on your artery walls. That's because more blood is produced to supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues in your body.
• Activity level. Lack of physical activity tends to increase heart rate, which forces your heart to work harder with each contraction.
• Tobacco use. Chemicals in cigarettes and tobacco can damage artery walls.
• Sodium intake. Excessive sodium in the diet can result in fluid retention and high blood pressure, especially in people sensitive to sodium.
• Potassium intake. Low potassium can result in elevated sodium in cells, because the two balance one another.
• Stress. Stress can raise blood pressure.
• Alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol intake can, over time, increase the risk of heart disease.
• Age. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you get older.
• Family history. High blood pressure often runs in families.

High blood pressure can also be caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, thyroid disease, adrenal gland disease, and the use of certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives, or herbs such as licorice. This type of high blood pressure is called secondary hypertension.