Cardiology
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team
High blood pressure (hypertension) is caused in 90-95% of cases by a combination of genetic predisposition, high sodium intake, excess alcohol, physical inactivity, obesity, insulin resistance, stress, and aging (essential hypertension). The remaining 5-10% have secondary hypertension with identifiable causes — renal artery stenosis, primary aldosteronism, sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders being most common.
Key considerations
High blood pressure (hypertension) is caused in 90-95% of cases by a combination of genetic predisposition, high sodium intake, excess alcohol, physical inactivity, obesity, insulin resistance, stress, and aging (essential hypertension). The remaining 5-10% have secondary hypertension with identifiable causes — renal artery stenosis, primary aldosteronism, sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders being most common.
When to seek physician guidance
A board-certified cardiologist can perform a thorough cardiovascular risk assessment — including advanced lipid testing, blood pressure evaluation, EKG, and imaging when appropriate — and design a personalized prevention or treatment plan based on your individual risk factors, family history, and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this most relevant for?
Adults with cardiovascular symptoms, multiple risk factors (hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history), a family history of early heart disease, or anyone seeking comprehensive preventive cardiovascular care. A cardiologist evaluation determines individual risk and appropriate next steps.
Is testing covered by insurance?
Most standard cardiovascular evaluations, EKG, echocardiograms, and indicated stress testing are covered by insurance when medically necessary. Some advanced screening (coronary artery calcium scoring, advanced lipid testing) may be out-of-pocket. Verify benefits with your insurer and the practice in advance.
What is the first step?
Schedule a consultation with a board-certified cardiologist. Expect a detailed history, physical examination, blood pressure measurement, EKG, and a discussion of which blood tests and imaging studies are appropriate based on your specific risk profile.
Get Help Now
Speak with a Haute MD Cardiology physician
Dr. Daniel Careaga
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Cardiology · Coral Gables, FL
View Profile
Dr. Daniel Scott Karempelis
Dermatologist
Cardiology · Atlanta, Georgia, GA
View Profile
Dr. Ari Cohen
Internal Medicine Specialist
Cardiology · Aventura/Miami, FL
View ProfileAre you a Cardiology physician?
Join Haute MD Network and have your profile featured alongside these answers.
Apply for the NetworkRelated Guides
Guide · CARDIOLOGY
What Causes High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol is caused by genetics, diet, inactivity, obesity, insulin resistance, and certain medications. ApoB provides a more accurate cardiovascular risk measure than LDL.
Read GuideGuide · CARDIOLOGY
What Is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease is plaque buildup in the heart's arteries — the most common heart disease and leading cause of death in the United States.
Read GuideGuide · CARDIOLOGY
What Is Preventive Cardiology?
Preventive cardiology identifies and reduces cardiovascular risk before events occur — using advanced testing like ApoB, Lp(a), and coronary artery calcium scoring.
Read Guide