High Blood Pressure Symptoms

What causes high blood pressure

In over 9 out of every 10 people there is no definite cause of high blood pressure. This condition is known as ‘essential hypertension’. The following can all play a part:

• not doing enough physical activity

• being overweight

• having too much salt in your diet

• drinking too much alcohol, and

• not eating enough fruit and vegetables.

Genes are another factor. So, if one or both of your parents have (or had) hypertension, you have a greater chance of developing it too.In a very small number of people, a single cause is found, such as narrowing of the artery to a kidney or abnormal production of hormones from the adrenal glands. Severe kidney disease can also cause high blood pressure.

Occasionally, some medicines used to treat ulcers, arthritis or depression may cause a rise in blood pressure. So, when you buy over-the-counter medicines at the pharmacist, it is important to tell your pharmacist that you have high blood pressure. If you buy them somewhere else and you can’t ask a pharmacist, check the instructions to make sure the medicine is OK for people with high blood pressure. Always tell your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies that you take.