Causes of Hypertension

There are many contributing factors that can cause hypertension. Symptoms of high blood pressure could easily be mistaken for other illnesses or disease. There are certain behaviors which are considered to increase a person’s chances of getting high blood pressure. Knowing what these behaviors are is important so that you can choose to change your habits in order to reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

Being overweight and obese can cause a person’s heart to beat faster and raise blood pressure. The extra weight carried on the body not only puts a strain on the heart muscle, but can cause back problems, kidney problems and a host of other medical problems. Exercising on a regular basis can help lose weight. Starting out, all you need to do is walk for about twenty minutes, three times a week. If you are excessively obese or have shortness of breath or other problems you should consult with your medical provider before beginning an exercise program.

Consuming foods high in bad (LDL) cholesterol can cause high blood pressure. Eating fast food, pizza, deep fried foods, donuts, cakes, pastries, and sub sandwiches should be avoided. Even when the fast food restaurant advertises healthy foods, most of the time they may look healthy on the outside and that is it. On the inside they have added levels of sodium or have been cooked in saturated or trans fats.

Consuming excessive amount of sodium can cause high blood pressure. Foods do not need any additional sodium. Most people consume five times the daily recommended levels of 2000 mg per day. Salt causes the heart to beat faster. When the heart beats faster, blood pressure increases.

Consuming coffee, colas and beverages with caffeine can cause hypertension. Even energy drinks can raise blood pressure because they are full of caffeine and sugar. Avoid these and instead drink 100% pure vegetable or fruit juices, water, caffeine free coffee, or tea.

Both smoking and drinking alcohol can cause high blood pressure. Both bad habits can be rather difficult to quit, but there are often support groups available in most communities for free.