The main causes of hypertension can be summarized as follows:
1. Genetic factors: Genetic factors play an important role in the onset of hypertension. If there are hypertensive patients in the family, especially immediate relatives, the individual's risk of developing hypertension will increase. This may be due to genetic influences on the physiological functions of the cardiovascular system, such as the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels, and the regulation of water and salt by the kidneys, leading to an increase in blood pressure.
2. Poor lifestyle: Poor lifestyle habits are a common cause of hypertension. This includes a high salt diet, long-term heavy drinking, lack of exercise, and long-term smoking. High salt diet will increase sodium ions in the body, cause water and sodium retention, increase blood volume, and lead to increased blood pressure. Long term heavy drinking can damage endothelial cells in blood vessels, causing a decrease in vascular elasticity and an increase in blood pressure. Lack of exercise can easily lead to obesity, which is one of the important risk factors for hypertension. Long term smoking can damage the endothelium of blood vessels, promote vasoconstriction, and increase blood pressure.
3. Other factors: In addition to genetic factors and unhealthy lifestyles, there are various other factors that may lead to hypertension. These factors include age, psychological factors, and the impact of other illnesses.