Scott Weaver
Updated at: January 23, 2024 · 8 min read
What causes high blood pressure?
In this article, we'll break down what high blood pressure is and what might be causing it. We'll cover everything from lifestyle factors to diet. Plus, we'll touch on how you can manage it, including lifestyle changes and the use of medication, including where you can purchase high blood pressure medication from.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Think of it as a bit like your heart working harder than it should. High blood pressure is often referred to as a silent killer because it doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms. Monitoring your blood pressure is important for understanding your health and management of blood pressure can contribute to long-term health.
Is hypertension the same as high blood pressure?
Yes, hypertension is another term that is used for high blood pressure. They are virtually interchangeable phrases used to describe the same condition. Usually, a healthcare provider will refer to the condition as high blood pressure as this is what the majority of people will know it as, however, you may also see it referred to as hypertension.
How can high blood pressure be checked?
Checking your blood pressure is crucial, especially since hypertension often lurks without obvious symptoms. According to Heart Research UK, for adults over 40, it's recommended to have a blood pressure check at least every five years. Luckily, there are various convenient options for this. You can visit GP surgeries, select pharmacies, opt for an NHS Health Check, or even use a home blood pressure monitor, which you can purchase from UK Meds. Keeping tabs on your blood pressure is a simple yet effective step in maintaining your health.
Which blood pressure measurements indicate high blood pressure?
Understanding blood pressure readings is very important and can allow you a chance to make any necessary changes. Heart Research UK states that a reading of 140/90mmHg or higher is considered hypertension, indicating that the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. On the other hand, readings falling between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg suggest a risk of developing hypertension.
What causes high blood pressure (hypertension)?
Several factors can contribute to the risk levels of having high blood pressure (hypertension). For example, according to the NHS, you are at a higher risk if you:
Are overweight
Consume excessive salt and lack a balanced intake of fruits and vegetables
Have a sedentary lifestyle with insufficient exercise
Engage in excessive alcohol, coffee, or other caffeine-based drinks
Smoke
Experience high levels of stress
Are over the age of 65
Have a family member with high blood pressure
Belong to the black African or black Caribbean ethnic group
Live in a deprived area
Can being overweight cause high blood pressure?
Yes, being overweight is indeed a significant contributor to high blood pressure. The connection between excess body weight and elevated blood pressure is well-established. It's estimated that obesity accounts for a substantial 65–78% of cases of primary hypertension (Shariq & McKenzie, 2020). This link between obesity and high blood pressure is not only a concern for cardiovascular health but also amplifies the risk of developing conditions like diabetes and chronic kidney disease, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Can consuming too much salt cause high blood pressure?
Yes, according to News in Health, your salt intake can significantly impact your blood pressure. Numerous studies, both in animals and humans, have established a clear link between higher salt consumption and elevated blood pressure. Reducing salt intake, even moderately and over an extended period, has been shown to lead to a meaningful drop in blood pressure, applicable to both individuals with hypertension and those with normal blood pressure levels (Grillo et al, 2019).
Can a lack of physical exercise cause high blood pressure?
Lack of physical exercise can contribute to high blood pressure. Studies have shown that being physically inactive is associated with a higher risk of hypertension (Gamage & Seneviratne, 2021). Exercise plays a significant role in benefiting individuals with high blood pressure, potentially mitigating its adverse effects on the heart (Hegde & Solomon, 2015) Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine is a positive step towards maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall cardiovascular well-being.
Can smoking cause high blood pressure?
The relationship between smoking and high blood pressure is complex. While some research suggests that tobacco use can increase the risk of developing hypertension, other epidemiological studies have shown that current smoking is associated with similar or even lower blood pressure levels (Gao et al, 2023). It's important to note that the impact of smoking on blood pressure may vary across different age groups. For instance, among participants aged between 36–55 and 56–80, smoking was positively associated with the risk of incident respiratory diseases and hypertension (Gao et al, 2017).
Can stress cause high blood pressure?
Yes, stress can indeed play a role in the development of high blood pressure. While it may not be a direct cause, persistent stress can lead to repeated elevations in blood pressure, which over time may contribute to the onset of hypertension (Kulkarni et al, 1998).
Can age cause high blood pressure?
Yes, age can be a factor in the development of high blood pressure. As we age, changes occur in the body's vascular system, according to the National Institute on Ageing. Arteries, in particular, tend to get stiffer, which contributes to an increase in blood pressure. This natural ageing process is a significant factor in the higher prevalence of hypertension in older individuals.
Can genetics cause high blood pressure?
Yes, genetics can have a significant role in the development of hypertension. Individuals with hereditary factors may have a genetic predisposition to developing high blood pressure (Natekar et al, 2014). While you can't control your genetic makeup, being aware of your family history is valuable information. You may wish to speak to your family about their history of blood pressure if you are concerned.
Can ethnicity impact blood pressure?
Ethnicity can indeed impact blood pressure. There are notable disparities in the prevalence of hypertension among different ethnic groups. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, high blood pressure is more commonly observed in African American and Hispanic adults compared to white or Asian adults. Understanding that certain groups may be at higher risk can help tailor interventions and healthcare strategies to address specific needs and mitigate the impact of hypertension within these communities (Lackland, 2014).
Can high blood pressure be treated?
Yes, high blood pressure can be effectively treated. Lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, medications are common approaches to manage hypertension. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet with limited salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress, can significantly contribute to blood pressure control.
For some individuals, medications may be prescribed by healthcare professionals to help lower blood pressure. These medications work in various ways, such as relaxing blood vessels, reducing fluid retention, or decreasing the heart rate. Well-known medications for high blood pressure include Ramipril, Amlodipine and Lisinopril.
Does every hypertension patient need medication as treatment?
Not every hypertension patient needs medication as the first line of treatment. While blood pressure medication is effective in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with hypertension, current UK guidance does not recommend medication for everyone according to the British Heart Foundation.
If your blood pressure is only slightly raised, healthcare professionals typically undertake a comprehensive assessment. This may involve simple blood and urine tests, checking cholesterol and blood sugar levels, performing an ECG, and considering your medical history. Based on this evaluation, your doctor will determine whether medication is necessary or if lifestyle modifications alone may be sufficient to manage your blood pressure.
Is high blood pressure treatment available online?
Yes, at UK Meds, we offer online access to a number of high-blood-pressure treatments, all of which you can purchase from the comfort of your own home. All you need to do is select the high blood pressure medication that you require, complete our free online consultation that will provide you with our free private prescription upon acceptance and then complete your purchase. We also offer subscription services on high blood pressure prescription medications, to help you save time and money.
Do I need a prescription for high blood pressure medication?
Yes, generally, you need a prescription for high blood pressure medication. It does depend on the medication you are in need of, however, the majority of high blood pressure medications are prescription-only. Some prescription-only high blood pressure medications include:
Ramipril - Prevents blood vessels from tightening.
Amlodipine - Relaxes blood vessels.
Lisinopril - Helps blood to flow more easily.
Losartan - Protect the kidneys from damage.
Bisoprolol - Keeps the heart healthy.
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