Hypertension - Substances that Cause

Introduction

This section outlines the various substance that can increase Blood Pressure in Hypertension sufferers.

Other substances that raise Blood Pressure are listed in the topic for Hypotension.

Alkaloids

 Caffeine may increase Blood Pressure and may therefore cause Hypertension:  ^[1]

 Hypertension patients should avoid Caffiene consumption immediately prior to undertaking Exercise (as Caffeine may increase Blood Pressure in Hypertension patients during Exercise). 

 Cocaine may further increase Blood Pressure in Hypertension patients.

 Ephedrine may increase the risk of Hypertension by (slightly) elevating systolic and diastolic Blood Pressure (by approximately 3 - 7 mm Hg during the first few weeks of Ephedrine use - however Blood Pressure normally returns to normal with continued use of Ephedrine).  ^[2]

Amino Acids

 Excessive dosages of Phenylalanine may increase Blood Pressure in some persons (when various ailments redirect Phenylalanine into Tyramine production from its normal biochemical pathway).

 Tyramine may increase Blood pressure by promoting the release of Catecholamines.

 Tyrosine may increase Blood Pressure in some persons (when various ailments redirect Phenylalanine into Tyramine production from its normal biochemical pathway).

Carbohydrates

 Excessive consumption of Simple Sugars can cause Hypertension (due to Simple Sugars causing Cross-Linking [glycosylation] of the body's endogenous Collagen within the Blood Vessels:

 Excessive consumption of Fructose may cause Hypertension.  ^[3]

 Sucrose may increase Blood Pressure and may contribute to the development of Hypertension.  ^[4]

 A high Glycemic Index diet may increase the risk of Hypertension.  ^[5]

Environmental Toxins

 Dioxin exposure may increase the risk of Hypertension.  ^[6]

Enzymes

 Excessive activity of Gelatinase B may cause Hypertension.

Food Additives

 Aspartame may cause Hypertension.  ^[7]

Free Radicals

 Superoxide Free Radicals may cause constriction of the Blood Vessels (i.e. vasoconstriction) and can therefore cause Hypertension.

Glycosides

 Excessive consumption of Glycyrrhizin may elevate Blood Pressure (by mimicking the structure and actions of Aldosterone).