High Blood Pressure Causes, Risk Factors, & Prevention Or Elimination

Many risk factors and conditions can cause high blood pressure (hypertension). One of the major causes is a hidden toxin found in numerous food items and products we consume every day. Even if you suffer from essential hypertension, you can eliminate it without taking potentially harmful prescription drugs. By making a few diet and lifestyle changes, you can eliminate or lower high blood pressure.

According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure (also called the silent killer) causes more than 54,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. The World Health Organization estimates it kills more than 7 million people worldwide.

In at least 90% of the cases, the cause of hypertension is unknown, according to the American Heart Association. When the cause is unknown, it is called essential hypertension (or primary hypertension); when the cause is known, it's called secondary hypertension.

The connection between prescription drugs and your blood pressure

Many drugs increase the risk of high blood pressure. Studies in the U.S. have found that the consumption of aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen increase the risk of developing hypertension, especially in middle-aged men. In fact, one study concluded that, for people over 75 years of age, the risks of taking aspirin to prevent stroke outweigh the benefits.

Drugs that increase the risk of high blood pressure include (but aren't limited to): • Amphetamines • Anti-rejection drugs (Imuran, Cyclosporine, CellCept) • Birth control pills • Corticosteroids (synthetic hormones such as Prednisone) • Cough and cold medicines, decongestants and appetite suppressants • COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex, Vioxx) • Ritalin • Sorafenib (Nexavar) • Illegal drugs (such as cocaine, methamphetamines, steroids) • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Rufen), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn)

Before filling a prescription or taking any drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it will cause hypertension and how it will interact with other drugs or supplements you're taking.

Other hypertension causes

Age - Risks of hypertension rises for a male over 45 years of age and a female over 55. More than half of Americans over 59 have hypertension.

Race/Ethnicity - African Americans experience a higher occurrence of hypertension than Caucasians or Hispanic American adults.

Weight - Clinical studies have proven obesity is a major risk factor for hypertension. The incidence of hypertension and prehypertension is on the rise in individuals under 18 years of age as the obesity rate in that age group increases.

Stress - When experienced over a prolonged period of time, stress does put you at risk. Exercise and relaxation techniques reduce stress and blood pressure.

Diet - Hypertension is closely associated with the western diet of developed countries. Some factors believed responsible for this connection include the sodium-to-potassium ratio, low fiber and magnesium content, and total fat content. Another culprit is the toxin found in countless food items in the western diet, but rarely found in the diet of undeveloped countries.

Caffeine - Studies have demonstrated a small elevation in blood pressure for those consuming five or more cups of coffee a day.

Alcohol - Studies have confirmed a relationship between alcohol consumption and hypertension. The more alcohol consumed, the higher the blood pressure.

Smoking - Increases both blood pressure and the heart rate.

Sedentary lifestyle - Elevates blood pressure. Regular exercise lowers blood pressure by stimulating nitric oxide (helps keep blood vessels open) produced by endothelial cells inside the blood vessels. The accelerated pumping of the heart forces more blood through the vessels causing more nitric oxide to be released. A brisk walk or taking the stairs instead of an elevator can accomplish this.

Congratulations! By doing this research, you are being proactive with your health and wellbeing. Continue your research efforts and always be involved in the decision-making process with healthcare professionals. With information and knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your health.

Drugs mask underlying high blood pressure causes. Many times taking a drug for one health problem actually causes other health problems. Thousands die each year because of adverse drug reactions (taking a single drug) and adverse drug interactions (taking more than one drug).

Before taking prescription drugs for hypertension (for years or perhaps the rest of your life), try the prevention and/or elimination method. A simple diet change and lifestyle changes could eliminate high blood pressure, along with many other health problems as well.