High Blood Pressure: Causes, Signs, And Management

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels is too strong. This can lead to various health issues over time, as the high pressure damages blood vessels similar to how excessive water pressure can harm pipes and faucets in a house.

Approximately half of all adult Americans suffer from high blood pressure, with many more at risk. Alarmingly, one-third of Americans with the condition are unaware they have it. Despite these concerning figures, high blood pressure is not unavoidable. There are steps you can take to prevent, delay, and manage the condition.

Several factors contribute to high blood pressure, including age, race, and lifestyle choices. As you age, particularly after 45, your risk increases. Black individuals tend to develop high blood pressure earlier and often experience more severe cases. Certain lifestyle factors can also raise your risk, such as consuming excessive salt, insufficient potassium intake, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, lack of physical activity, and being overweight or obese.

Genetics also play a role, as high blood pressure often runs in families. Consuming salt-rich foods, taking certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen and aspirin), or using decongestants can further increase your risk. Illegal drug use, such as cocaine or amphetamines, also elevates blood pressure. Smoking is another significant risk factor.

Secondary hypertension, which is related to other medical conditions or side effects of specific drugs, is less common but can occur. This form of high blood pressure can be caused by heart problems affecting blood vessels, adrenal gland disorders, kidney issues, sleep apnea, thyroid disease, and other underlying health conditions.