What Are the Causes of Hypertension in Young Women?

Although hypertension, or high blood pressure, is more common in older people, young people can also be affected. Hypertension in young women may have a variety of causes, all of which should be taken seriously.

Definition

• Hypertension is usually referred to as high blood pressure. As your heart pumps blood through your arteries, the blood exerts pressure against the artery walls. If this pressure is too high, the heart and arteries have to work harder, which puts pressure on the whole body and can lead to other medical problems.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

• Primary pulmonary hypertension, also called essential hypertension, is usually hereditary and has no identifiable source. A family history of primary pulmonary hypertension is a factor in identifying hypertension in young women.

Fibromuscular Dysplasia

• Fibromuscular dysplasia is an overgrowth of muscle tissue inside the arteries.

Pre-eclampsia

• Pre-eclampsia is a type of hypertension that sometimes occurs in pregnant women. It usually resolves itself after the baby is delivered.

Drugs

• Certain drugs can contribute to hypertension, such as MAO inhibitors, phenylephrines, steroids and anti-inflammatories such as aspirin.

Obesity

• Obesity puts extra pressure on the entire circulation system and elevates the risk for high blood pressure and numerous other illnesses.