Causes of hypertension: What you need to know to protect your health

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious and often silent health condition. It affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. But what causes it?

Did you know that in approximately 90-95% of cases, hypertension has no single, identifiable cause? This is known as essential or primary hypertension. While there isn’t one culprit, there is a combination of factors that significantly increase the risk of developing it.

At Stay Medical, our primary care clinic in Miami, we are committed to helping you understand, identify, and control these factors so you can live a healthier, fuller life.

Essential hypertension: A combination of factors

Essential hypertension is multifactorial. This means that various characteristics of your body and your lifestyle habits can influence its onset. The most significant risk factors include:

• Genetics and family history: If your parents or close relatives have been diagnosed with hypertension, you have a higher probability of developing it. Heredity plays a crucial role in predisposing you to this condition.
• Age: The risk of hypertension increases with age. As we get older, our arteries tend to become stiffer, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
• Poor diet: A high intake of sodium (salt) is one of the biggest contributors to high blood pressure. Additionally, a diet low in potassium, fruits, and vegetables can disrupt fluid balance in the body and increase pressure on the arteries.
• Sedentary Llfestyle: A lack of regular physical activity weakens the heart, forcing it to pump harder to circulate blood, which raises blood pressure. Regular exercise, on the other hand, strengthens the cardiovascular system.
• Overweight or obesity: Excess weight means your heart needs to work harder to pump blood and oxygen throughout your body, putting additional strain on your arteries.
• Alcohol and tobacco use: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are habits that can temporarily raise blood pressure and, over time, cause permanent damage to artery walls.

Secondary hypertension: When there’s an underlying cause

In a smaller percentage of cases (5-10%), hypertension is secondary, meaning it is caused by another medical condition. Some of the most common causes include:

• Kidney disease
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid problems
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Certain medications, such as decongestants and some painkillers

Identifying and treating the underlying cause can often control or even reverse secondary hypertension.

How can stay medical help you?

At Stay Medical, we understand that every patient is unique. Our team of healthcare professionals is here to help you identify your personal risk factors and create a wellness plan tailored to you.

Through our Primary Care and Annual Blood Testing services, we can monitor your blood pressure and other key health indicators. This allows us to detect any abnormalities early and act preventively.

If hypertension is identified, we will work with you to manage it effectively. This may include:

• Lifestyle counseling: Guidance on dietary changes, exercise plans, and stress reduction strategies.
• Specialized programs: Such as our Weight Loss Program, designed to help you achieve a healthy weight and reduce the strain on your heart.
• Monitoring and treatment: If necessary, we will guide you on the most appropriate medical treatment to keep your blood pressure under control.

Don’t take unnecessary risks! Your health comes first

Hypertension is a manageable condition, but the first step is knowing your numbers and your risk factors. A timely check-up can make all the difference and help you avoid serious complications in the future.

Avoid unnecessary risks! At Stay Medical, we are ready to take care of you.

Schedule your check-up today. Visit our website or call us directly to book your appointment.

• • Phone: +1 (305)-990-1411
  • Address: 33 SW 2nd Ave Suite 502, Miami, FL 33130
  • Email: info@staymedical.com