This number is the measurement of the pressure being exerted on the wall of the arteries between heart beats. The exact cause of high blood pressure in 90 percent of the cases is still unknown. Hypertension is not caused by tension or stress, even though some would say it is. If you already have hypertension the blood pressure will go up during times of stress - but it is not the cause of it. Doctors are pinpointing some of the causes of hypertension.
Obesity is also a major cause of developing hypertension.
High sodium intake has been controversial in being the blame in high blood pressure. Studies now show that it can cause high blood pressure if your body is genetically sensitive to sodium and at risk of high blood pressure to begin with. Only about 10 percent of people with high blood pressure know what specifically caused their disease. For some it is a kidney abnormality, adrenal gland disorder or a congenital problem with the heart. Arteriosclerosis is one of the precursors of hypertension.