High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is what happens when there’s more blood pumping through your veins than your blood vessels can handle. This creates pressure against the walls of your blood vessels, which over time can cause damage and can lead to serious problems. 

There are many potential causes of high blood pressure, including things you can control and things you can’t. We’ll go over them below.

There are two types of high blood pressure

Before a doctor determines what’s causing your hypertension, they’ll want to identify the type. 

Primary hypertension happens for no particular reason. It develops over time and is, for some people, a natural part of aging. Primary hypertension can also be referred to as “essential hypertension.”

Secondary hypertension is caused by a separate, underlying medical condition. It typically comes on suddenly and can be more severe than primary hypertension. 

Many conditions can cause secondary hypertension: 

• Thyroid issues

• Kidney disease

• Adrenal gland problems

• Defects in the blood vessels

• Sleep apnea

Additionally, some medications can put you at risk for secondary hypertension, such as: 

• Birth control 

• Cold medication

• Decongestants

• Pain relievers

• Some prescription medications

Illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines can also lead to secondary hypertension. 

Risk factors associated with high blood pressure

Some people are more at risk of high blood pressure than others because of their genetics, age, or lifestyle. Here are some of the most common factors.

Age

High blood pressure is more common in men until about age 64. Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure after age 65.

Excessive alcohol consumption 

This can cause heart damage over time. For women, more than one drink a day, and for men, more than two drinks a day, may cause high blood pressure.

Race

High blood pressure is more common among people of African descent and can develop at an earlier age than it does for Caucasians. 

Family history. 

High blood pressure can be hereditary.

Being overweight or obese

People who are overweight need more blood to supply their tissues with oxygen and nutrients. That increases blood flow and pressure on arteries, which can lead to high blood pressure.

Lack of physical activity

People who are inactive tend to have higher heart rates, which causes the heart to work harder and can lead to high blood pressure.

Tobacco use

Smoking and chewing tobacco immediately raises your blood pressure. 

High sodium intake

Salt causes your body to retain fluid, which increases blood pressure when you have too much sodium in your diet. 

If you’re wondering what qualifies as “high,” the FDA recommends about 2,300 mg of sodium per day (about a teaspoon) for the average person. 

Stress

High levels of stress can temporarily increase blood pressure.

Pregnancy

Sometimes, pregnant women experience high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to pregnancy complications.

Heightened risk for women

If you read closely above, we mentioned two risk factors that are unique to women—birth control medication and pregnancy—and there’s a third: menopause.

Blood pressure tends to increase after menopause, though it’s not entirely clear why.

For these reasons, it’s important for women to pay just as much attention to their blood pressure as men—this disease doesn’t discriminate by gender.

Signs & Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” because there are often no signs or symptoms associated with it. 

That’s why it’s important to maintain a schedule of regular check-ups with your doctor. You can also make a habit of checking your blood pressure on your own. Many drug stores have a sphygmomanometer—a blood pressure machine—available for anyone to use, and it usually has a chart somewhere on it to let you know if you’re in a normal range.

There are also at-home blood pressure monitors that your doctor may recommend if they think your risk factors warrant more frequent checks.

Hypertensive crisis

An acute onset of hypertension symptoms is sometimes called a “hypertensive crisis.” If you experience any of these symptoms and register a blood pressure reading of 180/120 or higher, call 911 immediately:

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Back pain

• Numbness or weakness

• Blurred vision

• Difficulty speaking

Your HealthTap doctor can help you manage high blood pressure

The good news about high blood pressure is that it’s almost always manageable. 

You can see a doctor online for high blood pressure with HealthTap, meaning you don’t even have to leave your home. Our doctors can make diagnoses, order labs and tests, and write prescriptions for any medication you may need.

Hypertension/high blood pressure is usually treated with a combination of lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, as well as medication. Your HealthTap doctor will work with you to make a plan that fits your life.

We also offer free texting after appointments if you think of any additional questions or concerns, and we’ll find you the best prices on prescriptions at the pharmacies closest to you—you can save up to 75% on your medication!

Take control of your high blood pressure—schedule a call with your HealthTap doctor today.