What causes high blood pressure?
There is no clear indication of what causes high blood pressure, but there are a number of factors that could increase the risk of developing it.
Every person’s blood pressure will vary during the day, depending on what activity they are doing. However, some people may experience a condition called ‘white coat syndrome’. This condition means individuals present a rise in their blood pressure as a result of having their measurement taken.
The following table shows the factors which could influence the presence of high blood pressure, those which they have no control over and those which they will.
| Cannot be controlled | Can be controlled |
| Increase of age | Lack of exercise |
| Being of Afro Caribbean or South Asian origin | Being overweight |
| Having a family history of high blood pressure | Smoking |
| Not getting enough sleep | |
| High intake of salt/fat in diet | |
| Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake | |
| Stress |
The factors which can be controlled can form part of reducing the risk of developing high blood pressure. Taking the steps to make positive lifestyle changes can lead to a healthier heart.