Headache, dizziness, unexplained palpitations, shortness of breath—these can often be symptoms of high blood pressure. Hypertension, or blood pressure, is the high pressure that occurs on the walls of the arteries in the body when the heart pumps blood. It is also called the ‘Silent Killer’ because it grows inside the body without showing any symptoms. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind high blood pressure:
High Sodium Intake: The most important scientific reason for high blood pressure is excessive consumption of salt (sodium). When sodium increases in the body, it causes more water to be drawn into the blood vessels (water retention). This increases the blood volume and the heart has to pump blood with more pressure. This will increase the pressure sharply.
Atherosclerosis: As we age or when the bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body increases, fat begins to accumulate on the inner walls of the blood vessels. This is scientifically called atherosclerosis. When the blood vessels narrow and lose their elasticity, blood cannot flow smoothly. This increases blood pressure.
Chronic Stress: When we go through severe mental stress, the body releases large amounts of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones temporarily constrict the blood vessels and increase the heart rate. Prolonged stress, along with smoking, drinking alcohol, and lack of sleep, can lead to chronic high blood pressure.
Obesity & Sedentary Lifestyle: When you gain weight, your heart has to pump more blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to all the cells in the body. Additionally, abdominal fat (belly fat) affects the function of the kidneys and other organs and disrupts the renin-angiotensin (RAAS) hormone system that regulates blood pressure.
Kidney Diseases & Genetics: The kidneys play a major role in maintaining proper blood pressure in the body. When the blood vessels in the kidneys are blocked or in people with chronic kidney disease, the pressure increases very quickly. Also, if parents have high blood pressure, the next generation of individuals are also at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure due to genetic reasons.