Causes and Risk Factors

The arteries transport blood from the heart to all of the other parts of the body. The blood that is forcefully pushed against the arterial walls is referred to as blood pressure. When the heart beats, it is pumping the blood and the blood pressure is highest (systolic pressure). The heart is resting between beats, and at this time the blood pressure is low (diastolic pressure). When blood pressure is measured, it is always reported to indicate these two types of blood pressure. It is typically written one above or before the other, such as 120/80 mmHg (measured in millimeters of mercury, a unit for measuring pressure), where the figure 120 refers to systolic pressure and the figure 80 refers to diastolic pressure. A blood pressure that is below 120/80 mmHg is considered to be normal. A blood pressure that is 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered to be high blood pressure. High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder and the arteries to exert more pressure so there is an increased risk of suffering from stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.


The exact causes of high blood pressure are not yet identified. However, there are several factors and conditions that contribute to the development of high blood pressure. Some of these factors are being overweight or obese, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive sodium (salt) in diet, lack of physical activity, stress, old age, genetics, family history of high blood pressure, and diseases such as chronic kidney disease and adrenal and thyroid disorders.