Scott Weaver
Updated at: December 18, 2024 · 8 min read
What causes high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health condition that affects many people in the United Kingdom. Understanding what causes high blood pressure is crucial in managing and preventing it. In this article, we’ll break down the causes of high blood pressure, from lifestyle factors to underlying health conditions, and discuss how it can be managed, including the role of medication.
Key Takeaways
Causes of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can result from various factors, including being overweight, eating too much salt, smoking, stress, and lack of physical activity. Age, genetics, ethnicity, and certain health conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol also increase the risk.
Managing High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can often be managed by adopting a healthy lifestyle: eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, reduce salt, alcohol, and caffeine intake, and quit smoking. In some cases, medication prescribed by a doctor may be needed to lower blood pressure.
Regular Monitoring is Key
Since high blood pressure often has no symptoms, regular blood pressure checks are crucial, especially for adults over 40. You can check your blood pressure at a GP surgery, pharmacy, or using a home monitor from services like UK Meds. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications.
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure occurs when the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. It’s often referred to as a silent killer because it doesn’t usually show any symptoms until it has caused serious damage. Left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and other serious health issues.
How Can High Blood Pressure Be Checked?
Regular blood pressure checks are essential, especially since high blood pressure often has no symptoms. In the UK, adults over the age of 40 are advised to check their blood pressure at least every five years. You can have your blood pressure checked at your GP surgery, local pharmacy, or by using a home blood pressure monitor, available from online retailers like UK Meds. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly helps you stay informed and manage your health.
Which Blood Pressure Readings Indicate High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is represented by two numbers:
Systolic (top number) – the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
Diastolic (bottom number) – the pressure when your heart is resting between beats.
A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high. A reading between 120/80 mmHg and 140/90 mmHg is considered pre-hypertension, meaning you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure.
What Causes High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
Several factors can contribute to high blood pressure. Some of these are within your control, while others, like age or genetics, are not. Here are the key causes of high blood pressure:
1. Being Overweight or Obese
Excess weight puts extra strain on your heart, making it work harder to pump blood around your body. This can lead to higher blood pressure (Shariq & McKenzie, 2020). Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important steps in preventing high blood pressure.
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.
2. Excessive Salt Consumption
Eating too much salt can increase your blood pressure. Salt causes your body to retain more water, increasing the volume of blood in your blood vessels and raising blood pressure. Cutting down on salt is one of the easiest ways to improve your blood pressure (Grillo et al, 2019).
3. Lack of Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle, with little to no exercise, can contribute to high blood pressure (Gamage & Seneviratne, 2021). Regular physical activity helps keep your heart and blood vessels healthy (Hegde & Solomon, 2015), making it easier for blood to flow and lowering the risk of hypertension.
4. Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and increases your blood pressure (Gao et al, 2023). It narrows your arteries, which can make it harder for blood to flow, and also reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood, causing your heart to beat faster (Gao et al, 2017).
5. Excessive Alcohol and Caffeine
Drinking too much alcohol and consuming large amounts of caffeine can raise your blood pressure. Alcohol is a well-known contributor to high blood pressure, while caffeine can temporarily cause a spike in blood pressure.
6. Stress
While stress is not a direct cause of high blood pressure, it can contribute to its development over time (Kulkarni et al, 1998). Chronic stress can lead to unhealthy habits like poor diet, smoking, or drinking alcohol, which can in turn increase blood pressure.
7. Age
As you get older, the likelihood of developing high blood pressure increases. This is because the walls of the arteries tend to stiffen with age, which can cause blood pressure to rise. Regular monitoring is important as you age to catch any potential issues early.
8. Family History and Genetics
If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you may be at a higher risk (Natekar et al, 2014). Genetic factors play a significant role in determining your blood pressure levels, so knowing your family’s health history can help you manage the risk.
9. Ethnicity
Certain ethnic groups are more prone to high blood pressure. For example, Black African and Black Caribbean individuals are at a higher risk compared to those of European or Asian descent . Understanding these factors can help with early detection and preventive care (Lackland, 2014).
10. Health Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and sleep apnoea, can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure. Managing these conditions with the help of a healthcare professional can help prevent hypertension.
How to Manage High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can often be controlled with lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication may be required. Here’s how to manage and reduce your blood pressure:
1. Adopt a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help manage blood pressure. Reducing your intake of sodium and unhealthy fats is key to controlling hypertension.
2. Regular Exercise
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure and improves overall cardiovascular health.
3. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake can help keep your blood pressure in check. It’s advised to limit alcohol consumption to no more than 14 units per week for both men and women.
4. Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is essential for lowering blood pressure and improving your overall health. There are many resources available to help you quit, including support groups and smoking cessation therapies.
5. Take Medication (If Prescribed)
For some people, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. In such cases, doctors may prescribe medication to help lower blood pressure. Common blood pressure medications include:
Amlodipine (relaxes blood vessels)
Ramipril (prevents blood vessels from tightening)
Lisinopril (helps blood flow more easily)
Can High Blood Pressure Be Treated?
Yes, high blood pressure is treatable, and managing it effectively can prevent complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. In many cases, a combination of lifestyle changes and medication is necessary to control high blood pressure.
Where Can I Get Treatment for High Blood Pressure?
If you have high blood pressure, you can get treatment through your GP or by using online clinics like UK Meds. With our online consultation with an independent registered prescriber, you can access prescription medications to help manage high blood pressure from the comfort of your own home. All our medications come with a private prescription, and we also offer a subscription service for convenience.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what causes high blood pressure is essential in preventing and managing the condition. By making healthy lifestyle choices and seeking appropriate treatment, you can control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of serious health problems. Regular monitoring and working with your healthcare provider are key steps in maintaining your health and well-being.
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