Hypertension/etiology

Although it has frequently been indicated that the causes of essential hypertension are not known, this
is only partially true because we have little information on genetic variations or genes that are
overexpressed or underexpressed as well as the intermediary phenotypes that they regulate to cause
high BP.4 A number of factors increase BP, including (1) obesity, (2) insulin resistance, (3) high alcohol
intake, (4) high salt intake (in salt-sensitive patients), (5) aging and perhaps (6) sedentary lifestyle, (7)
stress, (8) low potassium intake, and (9) low calcium intake. 5 6 Furthermore, many of these factors are
additive, such as obesity and alcohol intake.

Race and smoking

A condition in which both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) rise above normal levels.
Malignant hypertension is a severe degree of high BP in which the diastolic pressure is above
130 mmHg, and an immediate threat to life. All levels of BP above normal damage blood vessels
throughout the body; the greater the increase, the greater the damage. The vessels most
vulnerable are those of the brain, eyes, heart, and kidneys. As a result, individuals may develop a
stroke, poor vision, coronary heart disease, and kidney failure. In the majority of cases the cause
of high BP is unknown, but obesity and smoking contribute. In a few cases the condition is
attributable to hormonal disturbances, such as Cushing's syndrome, or to kidney disease.