Understanding High Blood Pressure: Common Causes and Risk Factors

Hypertension (BP ≥130/80 mmHg per ACC/AHA) arises from genetic and environmental interactions.

Modifiable Risk Factors

• Excess sodium intake (>2.3 g/day)
• Obesity/overweight
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive alcohol
• Tobacco use
• Low potassium diet
• Chronic stress
• Sleep apnea

Non-Modifiable Factors

• Age (vascular stiffening)
• Family history/genetics
• Race/ethnicity (Black adults higher prevalence, earlier onset)
• Sex (men <65; women >65)

Secondary Causes (Identifiable, ~5–10%)

• Renal disease, renovascular disease
• Primary aldosteronism, Cushing’s, pheochromocytoma
• Thyroid/parathyroid disorders
• Medications: NSAIDs, decongestants, OCPs, steroids, immunosuppressants
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Prevention & Management

• DASH diet, sodium <1.5g, potassium-rich foods
• Weight loss (1 mmHg per kg)
• 150 min/week moderate exercise
• Limit alcohol (≤2 drinks/day men, ≤1 women)
• Smoking cessation
• Home BP monitoring
• Medication per guidelines (ACEi/ARB, CCB, thiazide, etc.)

Regular screening essential; hypertension is often asymptomatic.