Understanding High Blood Pressure: Causes & Risk Factors

Blood pressure is determined by the rate of your systolic pressure and your diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure measures pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and the diastolic pressure measures pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. Causes of hypertension vary and can be attributed to a number of factors, including lifestyle, genes and existing medical conditions.

Family History

• Like many other physical attributes and medical conditions, high blood pressure can be caused by genetics. If your parents or close relatives struggle with hypertension, you are more likely to develop it as well.

Sedentary Lifestyles

• Physical activity keeps the heart healthy. People who live a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to heart-related medical conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

Poor Dietary Habits

• Eating a diet high in fat, calories and sugar will contribute to obesity, which in turn causes high blood pressure. Moreover, people who are sensitive to salt many find that eating too much sodium in their diet will cause their blood pressure to rise as well.

Alcoholism

• Drinking heavily and on a regular basis will increase blood pressure on a dramatic scale. Alcoholism can also contribute to stroke, heart disease and a host of other health problems.

Obesity

• Obesity can cause a number of health problems, including the development of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. This is because the excess weight strains the heart, making it work harder on a regular basis.