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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffAny factor that increases pressure against the artery walls — including atherosclerosis, the narrowing of the arteries and a greater than normal volume of blood — can lead to prehypertension.
Sometimes an underlying condition causes blood pressure to rise, including:
- Sleep apnea
- Kidney disease
- Adrenal disease
- Thyroid disease
Certain medications — including birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs — also may cause blood pressure to temporarily rise. Illicit drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can have the same effect.
Often, however, high blood pressure develops gradually over many years without a specific identifiable cause.
