What causes high blood pressure?

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What Causes High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no obvious symptoms. Many people don’t realize they have it until it leads to serious health problems like heart disease or stroke. Understanding what causes high blood pressure can help you prevent and control it.

1. Excess Salt Intake

Eating too much salt causes your body to retain water, increasing pressure in your blood vessels. Processed and fast foods are major hidden sources of salt.

2. Lack of Physical Activity

A sedentary lifestyle weakens the heart, making it harder to pump blood efficiently. This increases pressure on your arteries over time.

3. Being Overweight or Obese

Extra body weight puts additional strain on your heart and blood vessels, raising blood pressure levels.

4. Chronic Stress

Long-term stress can temporarily raise blood pressure and lead to unhealthy habits like overeating, smoking, or drinking alcohol.

5. Smoking and Tobacco Use

Nicotine damages blood vessel walls and narrows arteries, causing blood pressure to rise immediately after use.

6. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Drinking too much alcohol can damage the heart and increase blood pressure, especially over time.

7. Poor Diet

Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats contribute to weight gain and artery damage, increasing blood pressure risk.

8. Family History

If high blood pressure runs in your family, you may have a higher risk—especially when combined with unhealthy lifestyle choices.

9. Age and Medical Conditions

As people age, arteries become less flexible. Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and hormonal disorders can also cause high blood pressure.

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How to Lower Your Risk

• Eat a balanced, low-salt diet
• Exercise regularly
• Manage stress
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• Get regular blood pressure checks

High blood pressure can be controlled—early awareness is the first step toward a healthier heart.

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