Causes of Blood pressure (high)

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The cause of hypertension in approximately 90% of cases is unknown, in such cases this is called essential hypertension. Essential hypertension is very common, and affects perhaps 20 per cent of the adult population.

Lifestyle and genetic factors may contribute. It is slightly more common in men. Obese people or those who drink excessive amounts of alcohol are more likely to develop hypertension. Stress may contribute to the condition.

In a few of people, the underlying causes of the hypertension are known e.g. Cushing's syndrome, kidney disease or rarely, a tumour of the adrenaline-producing cells in the adrenal gland. Combined oral contraceptives may cause hypertension. In pregnant women, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia leads to raised blood pressure, which is potentially life- threatening.

A general rise in blood pressure is known to be damaging to arteries, and arterial damage can cause raised blood pressure. In this way a spiral, leading to higher pressure. Arterial damage affects the elasticity of arteries, which become stiff and rigid. It also promotes the arterial disease atherosclerosis, which can lead to narrowed arteries. The condition is most common in older people because the arteries become more rigid with age.