What causes high blood pressure?
The cause is not known in most cases
This is called 'essential hypertension'. The pressure in the arteries depends on how hard the heart pumps, and how much resistance there is in the arteries. It is thought that slight narrowing of the arteries increases the resistance to blood flow, which increases the blood pressure. The cause of the slight narrowing of the arteries is not clear. Various factors probably contribute.
In some cases, high blood pressure is caused by other conditions It is then called 'secondary hypertension'. For example, certain kidney or hormone problems can cause high blood pressure.
How common is high blood pressure?
In the UK, about half of people over 65, and about 1 in 4 middle aged adults, have high blood pressure. It is less common in younger adults. Most cases are mildly high (up to 160/100 mmHg). However, at least 1 in 20 adults have blood pressure of 160/100 mmHg or above. High blood pressure is more common in people:
- with diabetes. About 3 in 10 people with Type 1 diabetes and more than half of people with Type 2 diabetes eventually develop high blood pressure.
- from African-Caribbean origin.
- from the Indian sub-continent.
- with a family history of high blood pressure.
- with certain lifestyle factors. That is, those who: are overweight, eat a lot of salt, don't eat many fruit and vegetables, don't take enough exercise, or drink a lot of alcohol.
Do I need any tests?
If you are diagnosed as having high blood pressure then you are likely to be examined by your doctor and have some routine tests which include:
- A urine test to check if you have protein or blood in your urine.
- A blood test to check that your kidneys are working fine, and to check your cholesterol level and sugar (glucose) level.
- A heart tracing (an electrocardiogram, also called an ECG).
The purpose of the examination and tests is to:
- Rule out (or diagnose) a 'secondary' cause of high blood pressure such as kidney disease.
- To check to see if the high blood pressure has affected the heart.
- To check for other 'risk factors' such as a high cholesterol level or diabetes (see below).
Average rating:
Helen Pearson, about 1 year
I'm surprised you have not mentioned hyperaldosteronism. Recent reseach shows that around 18% of people with "essential hypertension" actually have primary hyperaldosteronism (PA). The PUBMED articles have recently been updated to reflect the new findings. If I had been tested for PA at the start of my blood pressure problems I would have avoided 10 years of hell and the very poor health I have suffered since.
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