Different Causes of Secondary Hypertension

Studies show that approximately 10% of hypertension cases are caused by other diseases. This is called secondary hypertension. In most cases of secondary hypertension, when the main cause of the disease is treated, the blood pressure returns to normal. Secondary hypertension is normally caused by the following:

• Chronic kidney failure

• Adrenal gland diseases or tumors

• Narrowing of the aorta

• Pregnancy

• Use of contraceptives (pills)

• Addiction to alcohol

• Thyroid problems

On the other hand, 90% of hypertension cases do not have a known cause and this is referred to as primary hypertension. Unlike secondary hypertension, primary hypertension does not have a specific cause. However, there are several factors that may lead to high blood pressure. These are the following:

• Obesity – This is a condition wherein a person's weight is over 30% of what it should normally be. Obese people are advised to lose weight by exercising and maintaining a balanced diet. It is recommended that an obese person should lose weight until he or she is within 15% of the normal body weight.

• Inactivity – This is normally the cause of obesity that leads to hypertension.

• Heredity – The tendency of having high blood pressure also runs in the genes. If you have a relative or a family member that has hypertension, you are a potential candidate to have it as well.

• Age – Older people are more prone to hypertension because their arteries get harder over time. This is called arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

• Salt intake – Too much intake of salt can cause hypertension especially in people who have high sensitivity to sodium. An average person consumes at least 10 to 15 times more salt when eating fast foods or processed foods. Also, medicines like painkillers contain high amount of sodium that also cause high blood pressure.

• Alcohol intake – People who are sensitive to alcohol are more likely to have hypertension if they take more than 1 drink a day. This is because alcohol tends to increase the blood pressure.

• Use of contraceptives like pills – Birth control pills contains properties that increase blood pressure.

• Drugs – Stimulants like amphetamines, dietary pills and anti-allergy pills can also cause hypertension.

Consideration of the above factors can prevent both primary and secondary hypertension. Regular exercise and diet plus regular monitoring of your blood pressure are basically the most effective ways of preventing and treating hypertension. To obtain more information about ways to prevent and treat hypertension, it is best that you consult your physician.