What causes high blood pressure?

Answer 1

The majority of cases (95% approx) of hypertension (high blood pressure) do not have an exact known cause. This common type is usually called essential hypertension. Some other possible causes of hypertension may be reversible and include:

• chronic steroid use - such as Prednisone
• kidney disease
• lung disease
• pregnancy and pre-eclampsia
• renal artery stenosis - a narrowing of the artery to one or both kidneys
• pheochromocytoma - adrenal glad tumors, a cancer of the adrenal gland which secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine
• Cushing's disease - a condition where your body makes too much steroids
• aortic coarctation - a condition in which there is a narrowing of the aorta, causing high blood pressure in the arms and head, and low blood pressure in the rest of the body. Other blood vessel anomalies.
• obstructive sleep apnea
• hyperthyroidism
• obesity, salt intake, tobacco use and alcohol have a role in HTN
• Other medications such as cold and sinus medicines and decongestants-especially those containing pseudoephedrine, OTC (over-the-counter) analgesics (pain meds) and various other prescription drugs, stimulants, and hormones
• Illegal stimulant drugs like amphetamines and cocaine

As noted above, these causes are only a small fraction (about 5%) and the overwhelming majority of HTN (hypertension) is the type called primary, essential, or idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is unknown.

31.3% or 1 in 3 adults have hypertension.

22.4% or 1 in 5 do not know they have it. There are no warning signs.

HTN costs the US $76.6 billion in health care, medicines, and lost work time.

Most drug stores have a blood pressure checking device available for free use. These are not as diagnostic as having your doctor check it, but they will still be useful to keep an eye on your blood pressure.

If you believe you have hypertension, please see your physician and discuss your concerns with him/her.