What are the Causes of High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure readings measure the force with which your blood presses against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. Having high blood pressure means your heart has to work harder than normal to pump blood, which increases your risk of a range of health problems, from stroke and heart attack to kidney disease and vision loss.

The exact cause of high blood pressure (hypertension) is often unknown, but in most cases it’s thought to be related to lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise and alcohol intake or due to other existing health conditions. If your blood pressure is high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthier diet and getting regular exercise in addition to any medication they may prescribe.

But what else causes high blood pressure? Read on and we’ll explore the common causes of high blood pressure and the steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Age

As we get older, our blood pressure naturally increases, so the older you are, the higher your risk of hypertension. In general, adults aged 40 years and over are at an increased risk of high blood pressure, so it’s important to have regular blood pressure checks as you age.

Family History

Your family history can also influence your risk of high blood pressure. If you have close relatives with hypertension, you’re more likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure in the future.

Having existing health conditions

If you’re living with existing health conditions such as diabetes, obesity or chronic kidney disease, your risk of high blood pressure increases. It’s important to manage any existing conditions you have to help avoid the development of hypertension.

Lifestyle habits

Your lifestyle habits can also have a bearing on your blood pressure. Eating a diet high in processed foods, being overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle, drinking too much alcohol and smoking can all increase your risk of high blood pressure.

To stay healthy and reduce your risk, aim to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight. If you smoke or drink alcohol, consider quitting or limiting these activities to reduce your risk.

Stress

Stress is another likely culprit to the development of hypertension. When you experience stress, your adrenal glands release hormones that can cause your arteries to become narrow and your heart to beat faster and pump harder in order to send blood throughout the body, resulting in raised blood pressure levels.

What Can You Do To Reduce Your Risk?

Although factors like age and family history are unfortunately out of your control, making lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of high blood pressure is key.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet

Eating an array of fresh, healthy foods can help you control your blood pressure. Eating foods such as fruits and vegetables, wholegrain bread and cereals, low-fat dairy, lean meat, poultry and fish can help, as well as cereals, cooked fresh or frozen, wholegrain bread and cereals and low-fat dairy.

Exercising regularly

If you’re wondering how to reduce high blood pressure, regular exercise is essential. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, dancing or gardening, or 75 minutes a week of strenuous activity, such as running or aerobic exercise.

Limiting your alcohol and quitting smoking

Limiting your alcohol intake to one drink per day (for women) or two drinks per day (for men) can help, as well as quitting smoking.

Taking a break

Finding ways to reduce your stress levels can be beneficial. Take some time for yourself, such as trying relaxation breathing or yoga, reading, listening to music or spending time in nature.

If you’re worried about your blood pressure, speak to your doctor who can recommend lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medications to manage your condition. Working with your doctor can help you reduce your risk of developing serious health conditions in the future.