The most common factors that lead to high blood pressure are:

• Genetics and familial predisposition: A family predisposition to high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing the condition. If close relatives, such as parents or siblings, have high blood pressure, there is an increased likelihood that other family members may also be affected.
   
• Unhealthy lifestyle: Risk factors include a high-fat diet, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and stress.
   
• Influence of other diseases: In addition, certain conditions such as kidney disease, thyroid problems or hormonal imbalances can also contribute to high blood pressure. In recent years, nocturnal breathing interruptions (sleep apnoea) have also increasingly come into focus as a cause.

There are two main types of hypertension:

• Primary (essential) hypertension is the most common form and develops gradually over a long period of time without a clear identifiable cause.
   
• Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is a result of an underlying disease or medical condition and occurs more suddenly.

Hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer” because in most cases it causes no obvious symptoms. People can live with hypertension for years without realizing it. However, over time, untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure and other complications.