How Hypertension Develops

• Your blood pressure is measured by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the level of opposition to blood flow in your arteries. Blood pressure levels go up in relation to the amount of blood your heart pumps and the more constricted your arteries are.
  
  

Defining Hypertension

• Blood pressure levels are commonly measured by two numbers. The upper or top reading (systolic) is the pressure created when your heart beats. The lower or bottom figure (diastolic) is the level of pressure detected inside blood vessels when the heart is relaxed.
  
  

Normal Blood Pressure Readings

• According to the National Institute of Health, a healthy or average blood pressure reading is 120 over 80 (120/80 mmHg).
  
  The NIH says blood pressure is deemed to be high if it the top number is over 140 on a regular basis. The lower number is regarded as exceeding normal limits if the reading is invariably over 90.
  
  

Causes of Hypertension

• The Mayo Clinic says in the vast majority of cases (90-95%) there is no specific cause associated with hypertension. The few remaining cases usually have another condition that triggers high blood pressure. These can include kidney dysfunctions, adrenal gland tumors and some congenital heart abnormalities.
  
  

Uncontrollable Risks

• There are many factors that can put you at a higher risk of high blood pressure. Some are uncontrollable such as your age (the risk goes up as you get older) and a family history of hypertension. The Mayo Clinic notes that African-Americans are also more susceptible to high blood pressure than whites.
  
  

Controllable Risks

• People experiencing high levels of stress, who are overweight and those who do get adequate amounts of exercise are more prone to hypertension. The use tobacco and heavy use of alcohol (defined by the Mayo Clinic as more than two to three drinks per day) can also contribute to hypertension.
  
  In addition, both an excess of sodium and inadequate amounts of potassium in your diet can contribute to high blood pressure.
  
  

Health Issues & Hypertension

• The Mayo Clinic says existing health conditions including high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease and sleep apnea may contribute to hypertension.
  
  In some cases, pregnancy may cause blood pressure to rise. The National Institute of Health says this may be associated with hormone levels.