Common Causes of Hypertension and How to Prevent It

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a prevalent and serious health concern affecting many individuals in our community. Hypertension occurs when there is a persistent elevation in the pressure within arteries, and recognizing its causes and risk factors is a key component of our comprehensive approach to family care.

There are two main categories of hypertension, each requiring different approaches to diagnosis and treatment: primary (essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension.

Primary hypertension represents the vast majority of cases and often occurs without a clearly identifiable medical cause. However, at Wendell Family Medicine, we emphasize the importance of preventive care and lifestyle management to address the known risk factors associated with this condition. Factors such as excessive salt intake, diets low in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, lack of physical activity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, chronic stress, and poor sleep habits are frequently seen as contributors. Additionally, family history and genetic predisposition significantly influence an individual’s likelihood of developing primary hypertension. Our experienced providers work closely with patients, offering personalized counseling and support in adopting healthier lifestyle habits to prevent or manage hypertension effectively.

Secondary hypertension, meanwhile, arises due to specific underlying medical conditions or medications. At Wendell Family Medicine, our providers are skilled at identifying and addressing these underlying health issues. Common medical conditions linked to secondary hypertension include chronic kidney disease, renal artery stenosis, endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism, Cushing syndrome, adrenal gland tumors (pheochromocytoma), and primary aldosteronism. Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by disrupted breathing during sleep, another common contributor. Additionally, certain medications can elevate blood pressure. Our medical team thoroughly evaluates patients’ medical histories, current medications, and symptoms to identify these secondary causes and provide comprehensive treatment plans or referrals as necessary.

Regular blood pressure screenings, lifestyle counseling, and routine follow-up appointments are integral parts of the holistic care we provide to families in Wendell and the surrounding communities. We encourage patients to engage actively with our healthcare professionals, who are dedicated to helping each individual achieve optimal health and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Dietary habits play a crucial role in managing and preventing hypertension. An unhealthy diet negatively impacts cardiovascular health and significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure. Diets high in sodium, often found in processed, packaged, or fast foods, can cause fluid retention, raising blood volume and placing extra strain on artery walls. Additionally, diets rich in saturated fats and cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, narrowing their diameter and elevating blood pressure.

Many individuals may not realize that diets lacking essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium can negatively affect the body’s natural ability to regulate blood pressure. Furthermore, unhealthy eating patterns often contribute to obesity and excess weight, further increasing hypertension risks.

Stress can play a significant role in your overall cardiovascular wellness, including blood pressure management. While the relationship between stress and hypertension (high blood pressure) is complex, it is well-established that stress impacts your cardiovascular health.

When experiencing stress, your body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, temporarily increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels. This natural response causes short-term elevations in blood pressure, which typically return to normal once the stressful situation has passed.

However, ongoing or chronic stress experienced consistently over prolonged periods can contribute to lasting elevations in blood pressure. Frequent stress-induced spikes in blood pressure may lead to persistent hypertension, especially if combined with unhealthy coping behaviors, such as poor dietary choices, smoking, alcohol consumption, or insufficient physical activity. Additionally, chronic stress might indirectly affect your cardiovascular health by promoting lifestyle habits that negatively impact blood pressure.

Over time, continuous stress may also influence bodily systems that regulate blood pressure, potentially resulting in sustained hypertension. Although stress alone is not the sole cause of hypertension, it can significantly increase your risk, particularly if you have a predisposition to high blood pressure.

When you drink alcohol, it initially causes your blood vessels to widen, temporarily lowering your blood pressure. Regular or excessive alcohol intake can lead to sustained high blood pressure (hypertension), significantly increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.

Chronic alcohol consumption further elevates blood pressure by stimulating your sympathetic nervous system, disrupting your hormonal balance, and impairing kidney function. Additionally, frequent alcohol use may contribute to weight gain and poor lifestyle habits, further elevating your risk of developing hypertension.

Reducing your alcohol intake or even abstaining altogether can significantly lower your blood pressure and decrease your risk of cardiovascular conditions. Wendell Family Medicine supports health guidelines recommending moderation in alcohol consumption up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, as a proactive measure for maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall heart health.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is an important health issue we regularly address, especially given its strong connection with kidney health. Your kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy blood pressure by regulating fluid balance and producing hormones that control blood vessel function.

Over time, uncontrolled hypertension can cause chronic kidney disease (CKD), which involves a gradual decline in kidney function. We emphasize the importance of managing hypertension proactively, as kidney disease itself can further elevate blood pressure, creating a harmful cycle that worsens both conditions. Individuals dealing with chronic kidney disease often experience elevated blood pressure due to fluid retention and hormonal imbalances, further impairing kidney function.

Our dedicated providers recommend personalized lifestyle modifications to protect your kidney health and maintain healthy blood pressure. These include adopting a low-sodium diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol consumption. When lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, our team may prescribe appropriate medications to effectively control blood pressure and protect kidney function.

Routine check-ups and preventive screenings at Wendell Family Medicine are essential, particularly for patients who have risk factors such as family history of hypertension or kidney disease, diabetes, or existing high blood pressure. Early detection and intervention can significantly reduce your risk of severe kidney complications, improving your overall health and quality of life. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 2839 Wendell Blvd Suite 100, Wendell, NC 27591. We serve patients from Wendell NC, Archer Lodge NC, Hocutts Crossroads NC, Zebulon NC, Eagle Rock NC, Shotwell NC, Middlesex NC, and BEYOND.