Many people ask this question but unfortunately, according to the American Heart Association, the cause of high blood pressure is unknown in 90% to 95% of the cases. While science has yet to determine the exact causes of most cases, they have identified a number of factors to contribute to our blood pressure (BP) rising. The good news is that most of these risk factors are preventable once you know about them.

One of the highest risk factors is being overweight. Because more blood is needed to supply oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, the pressure on your arterial walls is greater due to the increased volume. The second highest risk factor tends to go along with being overweight and that is not being active. When you are inactive, it causes an increased heart rate which increases the pressure on your blood vessels. Losing weight and increasing your daily exercise will go a long way towards reducing your BP.

Lack of certain nutrients can increase BP. Potassium balances the sodium in your blood and if you don't get enough potassium, the sodium level can rise and cause higher blood pressure. Studies have indicated that vitamin D affects a kidney enzyme that influences blood pressure so lack of vitamin D may lead to higher blood pressure levels.

Some substances can contribute to BP issues by their use or overindulgence. Salt is one of those things that your body needs to survive yet if you have too much sodium in your diet, it can cause fluid retention which in turn can raise BP. Smoking raises your BP immediately but it doesn't last long. However, long term smoking damages the artery walls causing them to constrict which increases the pressure from blood flow.