The exact cause of high blood pressure is still unknown. However, there are several factors that are known to increase a person's risk of developing high blood pressure. These factors include heredity, unhealthy lifestyles, habits of consuming salty and fatty foods, smoking, side effects of drugs, or certain diseases.
High blood pressure is a condition in which blood pressure is at a value of 130/80 mmHg or more. This condition is also known as hypertension. If not handled properly, hypertension can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disorders, and blindness.
Type of High Blood Pressure
Based on the type, high blood pressure can be divided into two, namely:
Primary high blood pressure
Is the most common type of high blood pressure. Nearly 90% of cases of high blood pressure in adults are included in this type.
Primary hypertension tends to take years to occur. However, the cause is uncertain. However, it is thought to be related to genetic factors (heredity), lifestyle, and unhealthy eating patterns.
Secondary high blood pressure
Is a type of high blood pressure that is more rare. The cause of secondary high blood pressure is related to the presence of other diseases, such as:
- Kidney illness
- Diabetes
- Hormonal disorders, such as thyroid disorders
- Sleep apnea (breathing disorders that occur during sleep)
- Congenital heart disease
- Obesity
- Brain tumor
- Adrenal gland tumors
Taking certain medications can also be a secondary cause of high blood pressure. Medications that can cause high blood pressure include:
- Family planning pills.
- Cough and cold medicines, such as decongestants.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
- Herbal remedies containing licorice or liquorice.
- Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamine.
Common Causes of High Blood Pressure
In many cases, the cause of high blood pressure is not known with certainty. But according to experts, a combination of the following factors can increase a person's risk for developing high blood pressure:
1. Heredity
A person becomes more susceptible to high blood pressure if he has parents or relatives who suffer from high blood pressure. This is thought to be related to genetic factors.
2. Age
As we get older, the organs and blood vessels in the body will experience changes, including the kidneys and blood vessels. Changes in the kidneys will reduce its function, thereby disrupting the balance of salt and fluid in the body. While changes in blood vessels due to aging cause the blood vessel walls become stiff.
Both of these result in blood pressure in the body will increase. That is why, people over 35 years old are said to be more at risk of developing high blood pressure.
3. Unhealthy eating patterns
The cause of high blood pressure is also related to unhealthy food factors. Too often consuming foods that are salty and fatty (high cholesterol) or lack of potassium can increase a person's risk of developing high blood pressure.
4. Obesity
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of high blood pressure. The more fat a person has, the more blood is needed to supply oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Now, when blood volume increases, so does the pressure in your blood vessels.
5. Rarely exercise
People who rarely exercise tend to have higher heart rates and are prone to obesity. This can make the heart have to work harder, thereby increasing the risk of hypertension.
6. The habit of smoking and consuming alcohol
This applies to active smokers and passive smokers. Keep in mind, chemicals in tobacco can cause constriction in blood vessels, thereby increasing pressure in the blood vessels and heart.
Likewise with the consumption of alcoholic beverages too often. Research shows that people who consume too much alcohol in excess (more than 7 times per week) tend to experience hypertension. This is thought to be related to the effect of alcohol which can make the walls of blood vessels become harder and stiffer, so the heart must pump blood more strongly.
7. Stress
Stress, frequent anxiety, and lack of sleep are some of the risk factors that quite often contribute to the emergence of high blood pressure. This is thought to be related to an increase in stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, when a person experiences prolonged stress.
Since high blood pressure can increase the risk of other diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, recognizing and avoiding risk factors for hypertension can be a good step to prevent this condition.
Some risk factors, such as heredity, can not be prevented. But by still living a healthy lifestyle, the risk of high blood pressure can be suppressed and high blood pressure can be more easily controlled.
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