Hyper Tension Revealed

Hypertension Causes

There are several hypertension causes. There are some very specific contributors to the condition and others that are loosely linked to the illness. Direct contributors include certain drugs, pregnancy, adrenal gland disease or tumors, and alcohol addiction. While these are known factors that can raise blood pressure, only 10% of hypertension cases are caused by these problems. Conditions that have also been linked to hypertension include obesity, inactivity, age, and salt intake.

Certain prescription drugs like tacrolimus, cyclosporine, epoetin, corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been reported as the cause for some cases of hypertension. Weight loss products that contain caffeine, as well as many over-the-counter pain relievers and nasal decongestants have also been known to raise blood pressure. Anti-allergy pills sometimes cause a rise in blood pressure as well.

Pregnancy in the third trimester, or the last three months, is the time when many expectant mothers develop hypertension. The hypertension in a pregnant woman can restrict the blood flow to vital organs and to the placenta. The growth of the fetus may also be hindered by this condition. It is very likely that labor will be induced or the baby will be birthed as soon as possible to avoid further complications. If it occurs earlier than 34 weeks into the term, the expectant mother may be put to bed rest and monitored.

Adrenal gland disease or tumors may also be the cause of hypertension. These include pheochromocytoma, primary aldosteronism, and Cushing's syndrome. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor that can be removed, which will ultimately lower the blood pressure, if there are not other contributing factors to the hypertension. The other two conditions require vigorous treatments which do not always result in a reduction of the high blood pressure.

One of the other direct hypertension causes is alcohol addiction. The consumption of alcohol is known to cause the blood pressure to rise. If a person’s system is sensitive to alcohol, there pressure is likely to rise more easily. Anything in excess of 1 drink within 24 hours can put them at high risk for developing hypertension. Kidney disorder and kidney failure are related to alcoholism, and are also contributors to high blood pressure due to the excess of sodium and water retention.

There are several theories regarding the connection between obesity and hypertension. Large amounts of fat near the abdominal region, and poorly stored fat (called ectopic fat) are said to have an effect on the blood pressure. It is not entirely clear why obesity and hypertension are linked, but one speculation is that poor diet may play a role. Inactivity is very common among obese people. The lack of exercise may contribute to poor heart health.

Salt intake is a well known contributor to high blood pressure. One does not have to be overweight or obese to have high blood pressure. High levels of sodium in the body will cause escalation in blood pressure in anyone with a sensitive system. A diet high in sodium is a major contributing factor to hypertension.

Poor health to begin with, pregnancy, or poor diet are all hypertension causes.