High blood pressure (hypertension) - Causes (2024)

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High blood pressure (hypertension) - Causes? ›

Causes of this more common type of high blood pressure (about 90% of all adult cases in the U.S.) include aging and lifestyle factors like not getting enough exercise. Secondary hypertension. Causes of this type of high blood pressure include different medical conditions or a medication you're taking.

Causes of this more common type of high blood pressure (about 90% of all adult cases in the U.S.) include aging and lifestyle factors like not getting enough exercise. Secondary hypertension. Causes of this type of high blood pressure include different medical conditions or a medication you're taking.

In other words, once blood pressure rises above normal, subtle but harmful brain changes can occur rather quickly—perhaps within a year or two. And those changes may be hard to reverse, even if blood pressure is nudged back into the normal range with treatment.

Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130 to 139 mmHg/80 to 89 mmHg. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/120 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away.

Kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea are some of the conditions that can lead to high blood pressure.

While there is no cure for high blood pressure, it is important for patients to take steps that matter, such as making effective lifestyle changes and taking BP-lowering medications as prescribed by their physicians.

Call 911 or emergency medical services if your blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or greater and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of stroke. Stroke symptoms include numbness or tingling, trouble speaking, or changes in vision.

Foods high in salt or added sugars — such as soda and caffeinated drinks, baked goods, and many packaged foods — can contribute to high blood pressure. Limiting or replacing these foods in the diet can help people manage or lower their blood pressure.

Can drinking water lower blood pressure? ›

If blood pressure becomes elevated due to dehydration, it may be possible to help lower it by drinking water. Dehydration causes the blood to have higher than normal levels of sodium. When this happens, the brain sends signals to the pituitary gland to secrete vasopressin, also called antidiuretic hormone.

Enjoy sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets sparingly. Food high in saturated fats. Reduce your intake of fatty meats, full-fat dairy products and tropical oils like coconut and palm oils. Salt (sodium).

If you have a BP of 140/90, that is considered high blood pressure and you should discuss this with your doctor. The first thing that is usually recommended for people with high blood pressure to do is lifestyle changes such as: Maintaining a healthy weight. Consuming a healthy balanced diet low in salt.

The European Society of Cardiology²¹ recommends that people lay down and take naps during midday to help lower their pressure levels. Additionally, the American College of Cardiology claims that the average systolic blood pressure drops by about 3 mm Hg²² for each hour one lays down for a nap.

Lifestyle habits

Eat unhealthy foods often, especially foods that are high in salt and low in potassium. Some people, including Black people, older adults, and people who have chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome, are more sensitive to salt in their diet. Drink too much alcohol or caffeine.

While there is no cure for high blood pressure, it is important for patients to take steps that matter, such as making effective lifestyle changes and taking BP-lowering medications as prescribed by their physicians.

Performing a counter-maneuver: Making a fist, crossing your legs, or clenching your buttocks may improve blood flow and raise blood pressure. Having a cup of coffee: Caffeinated coffee can cause a rapid rise in blood pressure. The effect is generally quick and levels off within a few hours.