What are the causes of high blood pressure?
April 9, 2024 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Babette Kleine
Dear doctor,
My name is Bernhard Neumann and I am reaching out to you because I have been suffering from high blood pressure for some time now and I am concerned about my health. My blood pressure values have been consistently elevated in the past few weeks, even though I eat healthily, exercise regularly, and try to avoid stress as much as possible. However, it seems that my high blood pressure is not getting under control.
I am wondering what possible causes could be contributing to my high blood pressure. Could it be due to my genetic predisposition, as high blood pressure is common in my family? Or are other factors such as overweight, unhealthy diet, or lack of exercise playing a role? Could stress or psychological factors also be influencing my blood pressure?
I am very worried about my health and would like to know what the possible causes of my high blood pressure could be in order to address them effectively. What measures could I take to lower my blood pressure and prevent possible complications? Are there medication options, in addition to a healthy lifestyle, that could help me?
I thank you in advance for your help and support in addressing my questions regarding high blood pressure.
Sincerely,
Bernhard Neumann
Dear Mr. Neumann,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an internist. It is understandable that you are concerned about your health when suffering from high blood pressure despite living a healthy lifestyle. It is important to identify the causes of your high blood pressure in order to address them specifically and avoid possible complications.
There are various causes of high blood pressure, which can be both genetic and due to lifestyle factors. A genetic predisposition for high blood pressure may indeed be present if high blood pressure is widespread in your family. In such cases, it is particularly important to regularly monitor your blood pressure and consider medication if necessary.
But other factors such as obesity, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, stress, and psychological burdens can also lead to high blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to assess and potentially adjust your lifestyle. A balanced diet low in salt, regular physical activity, stress management techniques such as meditation or yoga, and sufficient sleep can help lower your blood pressure.
There are also various medication options that can help you control your high blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, or calcium channel blockers. However, these medications should always be taken under medical supervision, as they can have side effects and need to be tailored to you individually.
I recommend scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician or an internist to further evaluate your high blood pressure and receive personalized treatment recommendations. Your doctor can also help you identify your risk factors and conduct further tests if necessary to avoid potential complications.
I hope that my information is helpful to you and encourages you to take proactive steps to address your high blood pressure. Please do not hesitate to ask further questions or seek additional support if needed.
Sincerely,
Babette Kleine
