What causes high blood pressure? Blood pressure is a measure of the force with which blood pushes against the walls of blood vessels. The heart pumps blood into the blood vessels that carry it throughout the body. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood into the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, to stroke, kidney disease and heart failure. What is "normal" blood pressure? The value of blood pressure is recorded in this way: 120/80, which is read as "120 over 80." The upper number is systolic, and the lower number is diastolic. The ranges are: Normal: Less than 120 by 80 (120/80) Increased: 120-129/less than 80 High blood pressure in stage 1: 130-139/80-89 Stage 2 hypertension: 140 and above/90 and above Hypertension crisis: higher than 180/higher than 120 -- See a doctor immediately If your blood pressure is above the normal range, talk to your doctor about how to lower it. What causes high blood pressure? The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known, but several things may play a role, including:

• Smoking
• Overweight or obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Too much salt in the diet
• Too much alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)
• Stress
• Older age
• Genetics
• Family history of high blood pressure
• Permanent kidney disease
• Adrenal and thyroid disorders
• Sleep apnea

Who is at greater risk of developing high blood pressure?

• People whose family members have high blood pressure
• Smokers
• Afro-Americans
• Pregnant women
• Women who take birth control pills
• Persons over 35 years of age
• People who are overweight or obese
• People who are not active
• People who drink alcohol excessively
• People who eat too much fatty foods or foods with excessive salt
• People who have sleep apnea

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