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Main > Specialty Areas > Cardiology >
Causes of Hypertension
There is no specific cause of hypertension among 90-95% of patients having high blood pressure. Hypertension without a known cause is called "Primary Hypertension" or "Essential Hypertension." The cause of Essential Hypertension could be genetic or environmental factors. The factors of high blood pressure are not same for all patients. The remaining 5-10% of patient with high blood pressure have a known cause and they are considered to have "Secondary Hypertension". Causes of Secondary Hypertension could be kidney failure, narrowing of the arteries to the kidneys, and various hormonal conditions.
Though the causes of hypertension in most of the cases are not known, there are some risk factors that are associated with greater chances of getting hypertension. Many of these risk factors can be changed to minimize the chances of developing hypertension or as part of a treatment program. These risk factors for hypertension are:
Age factor people of age over 55-60 have higher chance
Gender factor - male are more prone to hypertension
Race Americans, Africans & Asians are at a greater risk
Heredity It could be common in family members
Salt sensitivity High salt diet can cause hypertension
Obesity Over weight people got greater risk
Inactive lifestyle Aged and inactive people are more at risk
Heavy alcohol consumption Taking alcohol increases the risk
Some risk factors for getting hypertension can be changed, while others cannot. Age, gender, and race are risk factors that a person obviously can do very little about.
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