“What makes you have high blood pressure?”

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can be caused by a variety of factors, and in many cases, the exact cause may not be pinpointed. Some of the primary factors and contributing factors that can lead to high blood pressure include:

1. **Genetics:** Family history plays a significant role in the development of high blood pressure. If your parents or close relatives have high blood pressure, you may be at an increased risk.

2. **Lifestyle Choices:** Certain lifestyle choices and habits can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
- **Diet:** A diet high in salt, saturated and trans fats, and low in fruits and vegetables can raise blood pressure.
- **Physical Activity:** Lack of regular exercise or physical inactivity can lead to weight gain and increased blood pressure.
- **Smoking:** Smoking tobacco products can constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
- **Alcohol Consumption:** Excessive alcohol intake can increase blood pressure.
- **Stress:** Chronic stress can contribute to hypertension.

3. **Obesity:** Being overweight or obese places additional strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of high blood pressure.

4. **Age:** Blood pressure tends to increase with age as blood vessels become less flexible.

5. **Gender:** Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure at a younger age than women. However, the risk for women increases after menopause.

6. **Race and Ethnicity:** Some racial and ethnic groups, such as African Americans, are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure.

7. **Medical Conditions:** Certain medical conditions and chronic diseases can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
- **Diabetes:** Uncontrolled diabetes can damage blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
- **Kidney Disease:** Kidney problems can disrupt the body's fluid balance and lead to hypertension.
- **Sleep Apnea:** Sleep disorders like sleep apnea can affect nighttime blood pressure.
- **Hormonal Factors:** Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or as a result of hormonal disorders, can lead to high blood pressure.

8. **Medications and Substances:** Some medications and substances, including certain over-the-counter cold remedies, prescription drugs (such as oral contraceptives), and illicit drugs (like cocaine), can raise blood pressure.

9. **Chronic Stress:** Ongoing stress or chronic stress can affect blood pressure levels.

It's essential to work with a healthcare provider to determine the specific factors contributing to your high blood pressure. Lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, increased physical activity, and, in some cases, medication can help manage high blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Hi! High Blood pressure (also known as hypertension) can be due t a multitude of causes. Commonly though, diet/exercise/lifestyle and/or genetics can play a role as well as diseases of certain organs like the kidneys. High Blood Pressure also can occur secondary to other medical issues. If you have high blood pressure, it is recommended that you lower salt and carbohydrate intake and increase exercising both with resistance training and aerobic exercises (lifting weights or using resistance bands or spinning/running depending on what your body can handle) and see a physician as you may need medication to help lower your blood pressure. Speak with your physician to help pinpoint things that are within your control that you can change but also to get assistance in figuring out if other things are causing your blood pressure to be high. Hope this helps!-Dr. S. Misra of Misra Wellness