What causes high blood pressure?

Q:What causes high blood pressure?

A:According to Mayo Clinic, primary hypertension, or high blood pressure, has no identifiable causes and develops over time. Medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease, thyroid disease, sleep apnea, congenital blood defects and adrenal gland tumors are causes of secondary high blood pressure. Other causes include taking oral contraceptives, using cocaine or amphetamines and abusing alcohol.

High blood pressure, or HBP, usually does not present any visible symptoms, states the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Some individuals learn that they have high blood pressure because they experience other problems, such as stroke or kidney failure. High blood pressure creates complications in the heart, including aneurysms and weakening of the heart.

Stage 1 high blood pressure is defined as having a blood pressure of 140 to 159 millimeters of mercury over 90 to 99 millimeters of mercury, explains Mayo Clinic. Stage 2 high blood pressure is defined as having a blood pressure of 160 millimeters of mercury and above over 100 millimeters of mercury and above.

According to , high blood pressure is treated in a variety of ways, including making lifestyle changes and taking medications. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, managing and reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet and exercising daily are recommended. Medications including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, alpha blockers, vasodilators and angiotensin II receptor blockers are often prescribed for controlling and lowering high blood pressure.

Q:Does pain cause high blood pressure?

A:Pain can cause temporary high blood pressure, but the pressure decreases after some time, according to Health Central. Unrelieved pain patients are at a greater risk of increased sensitivity to acute pain and high blood pressure, as explained by Pain-Topics Updates.

Presence of chronic pain increases the risk of having hypertension. A study conducted to determine the relationship between pain and high blood pressure showed that chronic low-back pain increased the risk of having high blood pressure by 50 percent, according to Pain-Topics Updates. Chronic pain is a significant contributor to the persistence of high blood pressure. Prolonged use of over-the-counter pain reliever drugs can cause high blood pressure, according to Health Central.

Q:How do you get high blood pressure?

A:The precise way people develop high blood pressure, known as hypertension, is unknown, according to Health Central . However, there are several risk factors for the disease, including obesity or excess weight, smoking, family history and too much salt in the diet. 

People don't have control over all the risk factors for high blood pressure, such as age or family history, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But people can control the other factors by making certain lifestyle choices.

The chances of developing high blood pressure increase with age, according to Mayo Clinic. Men are more likely than women to develop hypertension before age 45. After age 65, women have a greater chance of developing the condition. Race, another uncontrollable factor, also may increase the risk for high blood pressure.

Tobacco use causes an immediate, although temporary, rise in the blood pressure, according to Mayo Clinic. The chemicals in tobacco also damage the artery walls, causing the arteries to narrow and the blood pressure to increase.

High levels of sodium in the diet tend to increase blood pressure, as does a lack of potassium, according to Mayo Clinic. Too much sodium causes the body to retain water, which in turn raises blood pressure. Individuals who don't get enough potassium or who are unable to retain potassium accumulate more sodium in their systems. The excess sodium increases blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

Q:How do you prevent high blood pressure?

A:Prevent high blood pressure, also called hypertension, by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, maintaining an appropriate weight, and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

An overweight person is two to six times as likely to develop hypertension than a person of normal weight, . When compared to those who are not active, individuals who exercise regularly are 20 to 50 percent less likely to develop hypertension. Just a small amount of weight loss and light physical activities can reduce a person's risk of developing this condition. Quitting smoking is also essential, as smoking raises high blood pressure and can damage blood vessels. Smoking may also worsen ailments related to hypertension, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Learning to manage stress can also prevent high blood pressure, as stress can contribute to the condition over time, according to . If alcohol is consumed at all, using moderation is necessary. Men shouldn't consume more than two alcoholic beverages per day, and women should not consume more than one alcoholic drink per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.