For most people, there is no single known cause of high blood pressure. This type of blood pressure can't be cured, although in most cases it can be controlled. That's why it's so important for everyone to take steps to reduce their chances of developing high blood pressure. In a few people, high blood pressure can be traced to a known cause like tumors of the adrenal gland, chronic kidney disease, hormone abnormalities, use of birth control pills, or pregnancy. Secondary hypertension is usually cured if its cause passes or is corrected.
Heredity can make some families more likely than others to get high blood pressure.
If your parents or grandparents had high blood pressure, your risk may be increased. While it is mainly a disease of adults, high blood pressure can occur in children as well. Even if everyone is healthy, be sure you and your family get your blood pressure checked. High blood pressure has no signs or symptoms. Having your blood pressure checked is quick, easy, and painless.