Why blood pressure gets elevated?

It is a fact that exact reason behind blood pressure increase is still unidentified in 90-95% of cases. Blood pressure increase without any known reason is regarded as essential hypertension and blood pressure increase having known reasons is termed as secondary hypertension. Most of the high blood pressure patients are the victims of essential hypertension. Heredity plays a crucial role in development of essential hypertension. People having family history of hypertension and other blood pressure related irregularities are 60% more vulnerable towards developing essential hypertension. Renal, adrenal and neurological disorders make people vulnerable towards secondary hyper tension. Renal vascular and parenchymal diseases make people vulnerable towards high blood pressure. There are several endocrine disorders which make people prone to hypertension. They are Hyperaldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome, adrenal gland tumors and hyperthyroidism. Neurological disorders like increased pressure within brain skull, lead poisoning and quadriplegia can also trigger hypertension. Consumption of several medications can also elevate blood pressure level. They are oral contraceptives, antidepressants, nasal decongestants and corticosteroids. Consumption of narcotics like cocaine can also hike blood pressure level. Women generally experience increase in blood pressure level during pregnancy. Contraction of aorta and excessive consumption of licorice can trigger hypertension. Aging and unhealthy life style can also be blamed for hypertension.