Causes of High Blood Pressure
What causes high blood pressure (HBP)?
- Certain medical problems – Problems such as chronic kidney disease, thyroid disease and sleep apnea may cause blood pressure to rise.
- Certain medicines – Drugs for asthma, allergies and cold relief may raise blood pressure.
- Using birth control pills or hormone replacement, or being pregnant may cause HBP in some women.
- Heredity – HBP can run in families. People may inherit a gene that increases their risk.
- Aging – Older people are more likely to see their blood pressure rise. More than half of all Americans over 60 years old have HBP.
- Race/ethnicity – Certain ethnic groups are more likely to develop HBP.
- Unhealthy lifestyle – Eating foods that are unhealthy or high in sodium, being overweight, being physically inactive, smoking and drinking too much alcohol can contribute to HBP.
Children younger than 10 years old with HBP often have another condition causing it, such as kidney disease. Treating the underlying condition may resolve HBP.
Members can log in to their Blue Access for MembersSM account to learn more about blood pressure guidelines and treating high blood pressure hypertension.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
