The Causes of High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is measured by the amount of blood that is pumped by the heart, combined with the resistance to the flow in the arteries. When blood pressure is high, the heart is pumping more blood, causing the arteries to become narrower. High blood pressure can lead to a stroke or heart attach.

Time Frame

• High blood pressure normally develops over a long period of time, and eventually most people will have some form as they age.

Considerations

• According to the Mayo Clinic, 90 to 95 percent of adults who have high blood pressure have no identifiable cause. This form is called Essential Hypertension.

Effects

• Blood pressure in 5 to 10 percent of the cases are caused by another medical condition. This type of high blood pressure is called Secondary Hypertension.

Types

• Conditions that can cause high blood pressure includes tumors on the adrenal gland, heart defects, kidney problems, medications and drugs.

Prevention/Solution

• Ways to manage high blood pressure include diet, weight control, exercise and stress management.