There are two types of hypertension. The cause of primary (“essential”) hypertension, the most common type of high blood pressure, is poorly understood but is most likely the result of numerous genetic and environmental factors. A number of risk factors are associated with its development, including advancing age, African heritage, obesity and weight gain, family history, a high-sodium diet, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and physical inactivity. Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by an underlying medical condition. Major causes of secodary hypertension include prescription or over-the-counter medications (i.e. birth control pills, ibuprofen, aspirin, antidepressants, decongestants, etc.), illicit drug use (i.e. methamphetamines, cocaine), kidney disease, adrenal gland tumors, obstructive sleep apnea, congenital defects in blood vessels, and thyroid problems.
Reference:
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
Medline Plus: https://medlineplus.gov/howtopreventhighbloodpressure.html
Pub Med: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29133356/
Pub Med: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30165516/
Pub Med: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19622819/