Causes of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension can be broadly divided into two categories. Both types have different causes.
Primary hypertension
Also called essential hypertension, this type of high blood pressure develops gradually with no definitive identifiable cause. A majority of people are suffering from essential hypertension. There is a lot of research still going on what mechanisms cause primary hypertension. In modern medical textbooks, certain factors that may play a role in the development of this cardiovascular condition include;
Genetics – Some people contain faulty genes that increase their risk of developing hypertension. It is thought that both gene abnormalities inherited from your parents and gene mutations due to some environmental causes may play a role.
Physical Changes – Certain physical changes can cause various health issues throughout your body, and hypertension is one of them. For example, a physical change in the functioning of your Kidneys due to aging may upset the body’s normal metabolism and disrupt the natural balance between salts and fluid. Both factors may contribute to developing essential hypertension.
Secondary Hypertension
Secondary hypertension means a type of high blood pressure that develops secondary to other body conditions. It can develop quickly and may be severe than essential hypertension. Several health conditions that may lead to the development of secondary hypertension include;
- Congenital heart defects
- Kidney diseases
- Problems with your thyroid
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Side effects of certain medications
- Endocrine problems related to the adrenal gland