What are the causes of hypertension?
Sep 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, hypertension may be caused by factors such as genetics, high-salt diet, lack of physical activity, glomerulonephritis, or polycythemia. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under the guidance of a physician. Maintain a healthy diet, limit salt intake, engage in regular physical exercise, and undergo routine health check-ups to monitor blood pressure changes.
Generally, hypertension may be caused by factors such as genetics, high-salt diet, lack of physical activity, glomerulonephritis, hyperthyroidism, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and receive treatment under the guidance of a physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Genetics
Hypertension shows a clear familial clustering, and genetic factors play an important role in its development. If one or both parents have hypertension, their children are at increased risk of developing the condition. It is advisable to adjust dietary habits by adopting a low-fat diet, consuming more vegetables and fruits, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake.
2. High-Salt Diet
A long-term high-salt diet can increase sodium ion concentration in the body, drawing water into the bloodstream and increasing blood volume, thereby leading to hypertension. Sodium intake should be strictly limited—no more than 6g per day is recommended—and potassium intake should be increased.
3. Lack of Physical Activity
Insufficient exercise can lead to reduced cardiac function and decreased vascular elasticity, contributing to hypertension. Regular moderate-intensity physical activity is recommended, such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming, 3–5 times per week for about 30 minutes each session.
4. Glomerulonephritis
Bacterial infections may trigger glomerulonephritis, resulting in water and sodium retention and increased vascular resistance, which can cause hypertension. Symptoms may include hematuria (blood in urine) and proteinuria (protein in urine). Under medical supervision, medications such as compound furosemide tablets, compound reserpine hydrochlorothiazide tablets, or enalapril maleate tablets may be used for treatment.
5. Hyperthyroidism
Consuming foods high in iodine may lead to hyperthyroidism, causing excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. This increases myocardial contractility, heart rate, and cardiac output, potentially resulting in hypertension. Symptoms may include heat intolerance, excessive sweating, irritability, restlessness, and insomnia. Patients should follow medical advice and take medications such as carbimazole tablets, levothyroxine sodium tablets, or propranolol hydrochloride tablets as prescribed.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, limit high-salt intake, engage in regular physical exercise, and undergo routine health checkups to monitor blood pressure changes.
