There are many different types of hypertension and the reason for having each of them varies. The type of hypertension that has no known cause is called essential (or primary) hypertension. There have though been some factors offered as possible causes and these include genetics, hormones, the environment and salt levels.

This type of hypertension can be controlled by non-pharmacological therapy. By modifying these factors, the symptoms and complication can be controlled, but if not then pharmacotherapy should be initiated.

The causes of hypertension or high blood pressure are unknown if hypertension is categorized as primary hypertension. Yet, sufferers should not be worried about the causes. The first thing you have to do is to visit your doctor and to have you blood pressure measured. Once you know that you have high blood pressure or hypertension, you need to take action immediately.

The older you are then the more likely you are to get hypertension. This is because the arteries harden and narrow over time as part of the aging process. Obviously, you cannot reduce your age. But what you can do is to keep an eye on your blood pressure as you get older. Just because you had normal blood pressure at age 30 does not mean that you still do at age 40.

Excessive salt intake: Excessive consumption of table salt (sodium chloride) by predisposed individuals makes the kidneys to retain more fluid and subsequently lead to hypertension.

Living a sedentary lifestyle also increases your risks. Generally those who are not active will weigh more than those who exercise regularly, for one thing, but even if you are not overweight, your risks are still higher by being inactive.

It has been found or stated that approximately one-third of the population is sensitive to sodium intake. An increased amount of salt in a person's bloodstream causes cells to release water (due to osmotic pressure) to equilibrate the concentration gradient between the cells and the bloodstream, thereby increasing the pressure within the blood vessel walls.

Alcohol use tends to raise blood pressure in most people. There are exceptions, but usually one who uses alcohol has higher blood pressure readings than one who does not. So, if hypertension is an issue in your life and heavy drinking is also an issue, you can see where one healthy change in your lifestyle can be made immediately.

Some people are more prone to hypertension as it runs in the family. For such people it is highly advisable to start taking precautionary measures at the earliest and one great way of doing it is by going on for regular monitoring of the pressure levels either at a clinic or at home with a blood pressure monitor.

Kidney disease is among the causes of hypertension and this happens when the kidney is unable to control the hypertension. The kidneys have cells which monitor the pressure of the blood that is passing through them. If high, the kidney is responsible for adjusting this pressure. This will not be the case if the kidneys have failed and this is a contributing factor towards getting high pressure.

Obesity: Have you ever wondered if there is a health problem that is not related to our epidemic of expanding middles? Being overweight and being obese put a lot of extra burdens on your heart. This burden translates into higher numbers.

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