Primary Causes of Hypertension

Primary Hypertension (Essential Hypertension)
1. High intake of salt (> 5.8g daily)
- The recommended daily salt intake for a healthy 19 to 50-year-old adult is only 3.8g, to replace the average amount lost daily through perspiration and to achieve a balanced diet.
Institute of Medicine of the National Academies
2. Genetic factors
- Genes for hypertension have not yet been identified.
- Current research focuses on the genetic factors affecting the
renin–angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
- RAAS is a system which regulates the Salt/Water balance and hence, blood pressure of the body.
- Approximately 30% of cases are attributed to genetic factors.
Example 1 : In the United States, the incidence of high blood pressure is greater among African Americans than among Caucasians or Asians.
Example 2 : In individuals who have one or two parents with hypertension, high blood pressure is double that of the general population.
3. Abnormality of arteries
- Reduced distensibility in peripheral arteries which leads to increased resistance of the arteries. Arteries will not be able to increase the diameter of their lumen during ventricular systole and hence, increased pressure. Vascular endothelium produces less nitric oxide (vasodilator agent) and its smooth muscle is also less sensitive to it.
- There is also an increase in the production of endothelin 1, which is a vasoconstrictor agent.
4. Age
- The older u get, the higher the likelihood that you will develop hypertension , especially the systolic pressure, because the vessel wall becomes less elastic.
5. Race
- African Americans have high blood pressure more often than whites. They develop high blood pressure at a younger age and develop more severe complications sooner.
6. Gender
- Men have a greater probability of developing high blood pressure than women.
7. Alcohol
- Drinking more than one to two drinks of alcohol per day tends to raise blood pressure in those who are sensitive to alcohol.
8. Oral Contraceptive Use
- Some women who take birth control pills tend to develop high blood pressure.
9. Drugs
- Certain drugs such as amphetamines, diet pills and medications used for cold and allergy, tend to increase blood pressure.


10. Body weight
- Obese people are 2 to 6 times more likely to develop hypertension compared to people whose weight are within the healthy range.
- Apple shaped people are at greater health risk compared to pear shaped people.