Understanding Hypertension: Causes, Risk Factors & Prevention

When hypertension develops gradually over time, as it does in 90 to 95 percent of the patients, no identifiable cause is present, according to the Mayo Clinic. But hypertension has several risk factors, some of which can be controlled and others that are inherited.

Extra Weight

• Overweight and obese bodies require more blood in order supply oxygen and nutrients to the tissue. The amount of pressure on the artery walls increases when the amount of blood circulating increases.

Physical Inactivity

• Not only does inactivity contribute to weight problems, it also tends to increase a person's heart rate. A higher heart rate indicates the heart is working harder with each beat and applying a stronger force to the arteries.

Smoking

• Smoking tobacco temporarily raises blood pressure. Tobacco chemicals may also damage the artery wall lining, which will make the arteries narrower, thus increasing blood pressure.

Age

• Risk of hypertension increases with age.

Family History

• Hypertension runs in families. It is also more common in certain races. For example, blacks tend to develop high blood pressure at an earlier age and suffer from more complications.