Correctable Causes of Hypertension

High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is typically caused by correctable issues such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, certain medications, smoking, excessive caffeine and drug abuse. High blood pressure can cause serious complications such as heart attack and stroke, so it is important to make any necessary changes to lower your blood pressure. Sometimes medications can also be used to help lower blood pressure when combined with the necessary lifestyle changes.

Diet

• A diet rich in fats and sodium is a correctable cause of high blood pressure. A poor diet consists of eating a lot of fried foods, processed foods and prepackaged snacks. Eventually, this type of diet will lead to high blood pressure as well as several other health problems. When your diet is causing high blood pressure, it is important to take the necessary steps to change it. Often, switching to a healthy, well-balanced diet will lower your blood pressure without the need for any medication.

Sedentary Lifestyle

• People who do not exercise often and sit most of the day are considered to have a sedentary lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle is a correctable cause of high blood pressure. If you begin to exercise regularly, there is a good chance that your blood pressure will decrease without the need for any medication.

Certain Medications

• Certain medications can cause high blood pressure, and they are also a correctable cause of high blood pressure. These medications include certain over-the-counter pain relievers, birth control pills, decongestants, cold remedies and even some prescription medications. If you experience high blood pressure due to a medication, talk to your doctor about switching the medication. Once the medication is switched, your blood pressure will most likely decrease without the need for any additional medication.

Smoking

• Smoking can cause high blood pressure, but it is also a correctable cause of high blood pressure. If you are a smoker, take the steps to quit. Nicotine can raise blood pressure and so can the damage that smoking does to the body. Once you quit smoking, your blood pressure will most likely decrease without any medication.

Excessive Caffeine

• Excessive caffeine can cause high blood pressure, and it is also a correctable cause of high blood pressure. Caffeine is a stimulant, so when it is consumed in large amounts it can raise your blood pressure. Common beverages and foods that contain caffeine include chocolate, coffee, teas and many sodas. By decreasing your caffeine intake, you will also help to lower your blood pressure.

Drug Abuse

• Drug abuse can cause high blood pressure, but it is also a correctable cause of high blood pressure. Drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines increase blood pressure because they are stimulants. High blood pressure often becomes lower after drug abuse is stopped.