Causes
By Mayo Clinic StaffThere are two types of high blood pressure.
Primary (essential) hypertension
For most adults, there's no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure, called primary (essential) hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years.
Secondary hypertension
Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension. Various conditions and medications can lead to secondary hypertension, including:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Kidney problems
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Thyroid problems
- Certain defects in blood vessels you're born with (congenital)
- Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs
- Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
- Alcohol abuse or chronic alcohol use
Products and Services
- The Mayo Clinic Diet Experience
- Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program
- Book: The Mayo Clinic A to Z Health Guide
- Book: Mayo Clinic 5 Steps to Controlling High Blood Pressure
- Book: Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life!
See also
- Anxiety: A cause of high blood pressure?
- Blood pressure: Does it have a daily pattern?
- Blood pressure readings: Why higher at home?
- Caffeine and hypertension
- Chronic kidney disease
- Cushing syndrome
- Diabetes and depression: Coping with the two conditions
- Drug addiction
- Headaches and hormones
- Medications and supplements that can raise your blood pressure
- Molar pregnancy
- Nighttime headaches: Relief
- Sleep deprivation: A cause of high blood pressure?
- Spider bites
- How diabetes affects your blood sugar