High Blood Pressure Causes

The health risks posed by high blood pressure have gotten a lot of publicity in recent years, but many people who are at risk seem to know little or nothing about the causes of high blood pressure and the threat it poses to their health.

Even doctors aren't sure of the exact causes of high blood pressure, but it is clear that there are a number of factors that contribute to a high blood pressure reading. 

The most common are: 

Narrowing of the arteries, often caused by too much cholesterol in the blood. Fatty substances in cholesterol stick to the artery walls. As the walls close in, the heart has to work harder to push blood through them. As a result, the pressure against the walls of the arteries increases.

Kidney problems or kidney disease can also trigger high blood pressure.

There are also a number of lifestyle factors that increase your risk for getting high blood pressure. These include:

• Abuse of alcohol or alcoholism
• A family history of high blood pressure
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Poor diet

Often, the factors that control high blood pressure can be managed, resulting in a normal blood pressure reading. Blood pressure medications are widely available by prescription, but a healthy diet and some regular exercise can also help bring you back down to a normal blood pressure range.

If you have high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension, you should talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment.

You can also check your blood pressure regularly because it will help you spot an increase in blood pressure before it becomes too serious. Many supermarkets and pharmacies now offer free blood pressure monitoring stations, and you can also buy inexpensive home blood pressure monitors on the Internet and elsewhere.