It can be brought on by a sensitivity to salt or high stress. Obesity plays a role in blood pressure elevation since it adds miles of arteries to the cardiovascular system to route blood to the excess fat in the body. Some people have high blood pressure because they have kidney disease or a tumor on the adrenal glands, which causes an abnormal secretion of adrenaline that in turn causes stress. Most of these causes of high blood pressure can be prevented, or at least controlled. Results of federal government research indicate that controlling weight, exercising, eating less salt and reducing fat intake over a lifetime will decrease a person's chance of developing high blood pressure, even if it has occured in several generations of a person's family.
Most foods contain enough salt naturally.
Do not eat too many cured meats, like ham and cold cuts. Eat at least four servings of fruit and vegetables every day, including juices. Avoid red meats, and eat more fowl and fish. Eat a moderate amount of starchy foods, such as bread, pasta, potatoes and corn, that take longer to digest. Start an exercise program, beginning moderately with 10 minutes per day of walking, biking or swimming, and mild weight training.