
Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups are more prone to hypertension than others.Blood pressure can increase steadily with age as the arteries stiffen and narrow due to plaque buildup. Age: Hypertension is more common in people who are over 65 years old.hyperparathyroidism, which affects calcium and phosphorous levelsĪ number of factors increase the risk of hypertension.hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland.congenital adrenal hyperplasia - a disorder of the cortisol-secreting adrenal glands.pheochromocytoma - a rare cancer of an adrenal gland.diabetes, due to it causing kidney problems and nerve damage.

Other conditions that can lead to hypertension include: Secondary hypertension has specific causes and is a complication of another health problem.Ĭhronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common cause of high blood pressure, as the kidneys no longer filter out fluid. Primary hypertension can result from multiple factors, including: If an underlying condition is a cause of increased blood pressure, doctors call this secondary hypertension. High blood pressure that is not due to another condition or disease is known as primary or essential hypertension. In many cases, it is the result of an underlying condition. The cause of hypertension is often not known. Acute stress and intense exercise, for example, can briefly elevate blood pressure in an otherwise healthy person.įor this reason, a diagnosis of hypertension requires several readings that show sustained high blood pressure over time. Having high blood pressure for a short time can be a normal response to many situations. Regular blood pressure monitoring can help people avoid these more severe complications. hypertensive retinopathies in the eye, which can lead to blindness.

aneurysm, or an atypical bulge in the wall of an artery that can burst.Hypertension-related atherosclerosis can lead to: This narrowing worsens hypertension because the heart must pump harder to circulate the blood. Long-term hypertension can cause complications through atherosclerosis, where plaque develops on the walls of blood vessels, causing them to narrow. If high blood pressure becomes a hypertensive crisis, a person may experience headaches and nosebleeds. However, most people with hypertension will experience no symptoms at all. In rare and severe cases, high blood pressure can cause: It is vital to check blood pressure regularly.

Without detection, hypertension can damage the heart, blood vessels, and other organs, such as the kidneys. A person with hypertension may not notice any symptoms.
