Hey everyone! Ever wondered why some people have high blood pressure and what actually causes it? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Think of your blood pressure like the pressure of water flowing through a garden hose. It’s the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. When that pressure gets too high, it’s called hypertension, or high blood pressure.
For most people, there isn’t one single, clear cause. We call this “primary” or “essential” hypertension. It usually develops gradually over many years. Things like your genetics, if high blood pressure runs in your family, play a role.
But, lifestyle choices are huge! Eating too much salt, a diet high in unhealthy fats, not getting enough exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress can all contribute. Smoking, especially, damages your arteries and makes your heart work harder.
Sometimes, high blood pressure is a symptom of another underlying health problem. This is called “secondary” hypertension. Conditions like kidney disease, thyroid issues, or even certain medications can cause it.
So, while genetics and some conditions play a part, our daily habits have a massive impact. Understanding these causes is the first step toward managing or preventing high blood pressure and keeping your heart healthy!