Normal blood pressure has a reading below 120/80. Blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is referred to as "pre-hypertension". High blood pressure has a reading of 140/90 or above.

Fortunately some of the contributing factors to high blood pressure are known.

Arteriosclerosis is the hardening of plaque along the walls of the arteries is one contributing factor. Another is the thickening of the artery wall and yet another contributing factor for high blood pressure is small arteries.

The other causes are not a single underlying problem but a combination of various factors that have been concluded to be the causes of high blood pressure include:

* Excess alcohol - Alcohol also plays a direct part in your blood pressure. It has been found in several studies, that the higher the alcohol consumption, the higher the blood pressure. However similar studies have also shown that moderate drinkers appear to have a lower blood pressure than non drinkers.

Moderation is the key.

* Excess salt - There is little doubt that salt intake has a direct effect on blood pressure. Both this and the ingestion of dietary potassium have been found to have adverse effects on a person's health.

High salt intake is considered to be anything more than 5.8 grams per day.

* Diet and Being Overweight - Obesity is another major problem. Overweight people are more liable to have a higher blood pressure than their slim counterpart. The heart and other vital organs have to work harder which leads to added strain.

* Stress - At work or home.

The two most important and affecting factors are high salt intake and genetic tendencies. The first is easily controlled, for the second, diligent monitoring is key.

The only true way of ascertaining whether you have high blood pressure or not is by having it checked by a doctor or even self monitored at home. This is a an easy procedure and every adult should have their blood pressure taken at least on an annual basis if not more often.

Secondary Hypertension

There are a few cases of high blood pressure in which the underlying problem from which it stems is known. This type of high blood pressure is known as 'secondary hypertension'.

Secondary hypertension is said to be caused by kidney abnormality, a tumor or tumors in the adrenal gland, or a congenital defect of the aorta. Treating the underlying cause will usually return the blood pressure back to normal.

Unfortunately of all high blood pressure patients only five percent of people with high blood pressure have 'secondary hypertension'

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is an essential and effective in both preventing and controlling high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes alone, however, may not be enough it may be necessary to take blood pressure medications.