What causes high blood pressure

The common causes of hypertension include genetic factors, environmental factors, physiological factors, trauma, and pathological factors. The key to controlling blood pressure lies in adjusting lifestyle, medication treatment, and regular monitoring.

1. Genetic factors

Hypertension has a familial genetic tendency. If parents or close relatives have a history of hypertension, the individual's risk of developing the disease will significantly increase. Genetic factors may reduce the sensitivity of blood vessel walls to blood pressure regulation or affect the kidney's ability to process sodium. It is recommended that individuals with a family history regularly monitor their blood pressure and take preventive measures in advance, such as controlling their diet and reducing salt intake.

2. Environmental factors

Poor lifestyle habits are important external causes of hypertension. A high salt diet, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and long-term stress can all lead to elevated blood pressure. Reducing salt intake, increasing vegetable and fruit intake, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining regular exercise such as walking for 30 minutes a day or swimming 2-3 times a week are effective preventive measures.

3. Physiological factors

Aging, obesity, and poor sleep quality are common physiological causes of hypertension. As age increases, vascular elasticity decreases and blood pressure is prone to rise. Obesity increases the burden on the heart, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Lack of sleep or sleep apnea syndrome can also affect blood pressure regulation. Controlling weight through low-fat diet and exercise, improving sleep quality through maintaining regular sleep patterns, and using a ventilator can help lower blood pressure.

4. Trauma

Head or chest trauma may directly damage blood vessels or the nervous system, leading to elevated blood pressure. For example, a concussion or spinal injury may affect the blood pressure regulation center. Blood pressure changes should be closely monitored after trauma, and medical treatment should be sought if necessary.

5. Pathological factors

Multiple diseases may cause secondary hypertension, including kidney diseases such as chronic nephritis, endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism, and cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis. Treating the primary disease is the key to controlling blood pressure. For example, patients with kidney disease need to improve their kidney function through dialysis or medication, while patients with hyperthyroidism need to take anti thyroid drugs.

Controlling blood pressure requires comprehensive management. Regularly monitoring blood pressure, adjusting lifestyle, and using antihypertensive drugs such as diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors under the guidance of a doctor when necessary are key to effectively preventing and treating hypertension. Through scientific management, the long-term harm of hypertension to health can be reduced.