High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is one of the most common health problems in the world.
It happens when the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is too high for too long. If it is not controlled, it can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
There are many reasons why someone might develop high blood pressure. One of them is genetics. If your parents or close relatives have high blood pressure, you are more likely to get it too. This is because some genes that control blood pressure can be passed from one generation to the next.
Scientists have found specific genetic markers linked to hypertension, which help explain why some people are more at risk. However, having a family history does not mean you will definitely have high blood pressure — your lifestyle still plays a big role.
Diet is another major factor. Eating too much salt is one of the leading causes of high blood pressure. Salt makes your body hold onto more water, which increases the amount of blood in your arteries and raises your blood pressure. Many packaged and processed foods contain a lot of salt, so reading labels and choosing low-sodium options is important.
On the other hand, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help keep blood pressure in check. The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is a meal plan that has been proven in studies to lower blood pressure.
Being overweight or obese also raises your risk. Carrying extra weight means your heart has to work harder to pump blood, which can increase blood pressure.
Research shows that losing even a small amount of weight can make a big difference. Staying active is important too — exercise strengthens your heart so it can pump blood more easily, which lowers pressure on your arteries.
Stress is another cause. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones that make your heart beat faster and your blood vessels tighten, which raises blood pressure.
If stress becomes a constant part of your life, it can lead to long-term high blood pressure. Finding ways to relax — such as yoga, meditation, walking, or hobbies — can help bring your blood pressure down.
Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can also cause high blood pressure. The chemicals in tobacco can damage the lining of your arteries, making them narrower.
Too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure as well, although moderate drinking may have some heart benefits. Health experts say moderation means no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
Some health conditions, like diabetes and kidney disease, can also raise blood pressure. Certain medicines — such as birth control pills, cold medicine, and pain relievers — can have the same effect. If you have a condition or take medication that affects your blood pressure, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how to manage it.
Age and race can also influence risk. As you get older, your blood vessels lose flexibility, which can raise blood pressure. Research shows that high blood pressure is more common in African Americans, often developing earlier and leading to more severe complications.
In short, high blood pressure is caused by a mix of genetic, lifestyle, and medical factors. The good news is that by making healthy choices — such as eating well, staying active, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and working with your doctor — you can lower your risk and protect your health.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies that timing matters when taking high blood pressure pills and 1 in 5 people with high blood pressure taking a drug worsen the disease.
For more information about blood pressure, please read studies that new research challenges conventional blood pressure guidelines and scientists make a big breakthrough in high blood pressure treatment.
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