Causes of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) means the force of blood against the artery walls stays higher than it should. Most people have no single cause, and several factors add up over time.

Primary (essential) hypertension

This is the most common form, about 9 in 10 cases. It develops slowly and is linked to:

• Age: arteries stiffen as we get older.
• Family history: the risk is higher if parents or siblings have it.
• Excess salt: a high-sodium diet makes the body hold fluid.
• Overweight and little physical activity
• Alcohol and tobacco
• Long-term stress and poor sleep, including sleep apnoea
• Low potassium intake

Secondary hypertension

Sometimes another condition or medicine raises blood pressure. It is more likely when hypertension starts young, is severe, or is hard to control.

• Kidney disease
• Hormone problems such as an overactive adrenal gland or thyroid disease
• Narrowing of the kidney arteries
• Pregnancy-related hypertension
• Medicines such as decongestants, some painkillers (NSAIDs), steroids, oral contraceptives and some antidepressants
• Stimulants and some herbal or energy products

Risk grows with

Diabetes, high cholesterol, a very salty or processed diet, and a sedentary routine.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda has no exact match for hypertension. Practitioners may relate it to imbalances of vata, pitta and rakta (blood), often called raktagata vata or uccha raktachapa. This is an interpretive framework and not a proven explanation.

Key point

Many causes can be changed. Get your pressure checked even if you feel well.

Before your appointment

Bring your home blood pressure log, with dates and times. List all medicines and supplements, including painkillers, herbal products and any Ayurvedic preparations. Note symptoms such as headache, chest pain or breathlessness, family history, salt intake, alcohol, sleep and any pregnancy plans. Ask about your target pressure, tests, medicines and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.