• Question: What is the cause of high blood pressure?

    Asked by meganhainsworth to Aime, Akshat, Diana, Gemma, Judith on 19 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Gemma Sharp

      Gemma Sharp answered on 18 Jun 2011:

      Blood pressure is the amount of pressure the blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels as it circulates round the body. It’s influenced by things like gravity, contraction of muscles and valves in veins.

      High blood pressure is defined as blood pressure 140/90mmHg or above. Lots of things can cause it, and in most cases it’s impossible to put it down to one single cause. It’s associated with things like poor diet, old age, lack of exercise, being overweight, and drinking too much alcohol.

      Lifestyle changes can help lower high blood pressure, and there are also drugs to help.

    • Photo: Judith McCann

      Judith McCann answered on 19 Jun 2011:

      If the blood vessels are tightened,this can cause high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to heart problems as it means the heart has to work harder to get blood around you body.

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