I have high blood pressure. It was quite high when I was first diagnosed (had gone to a Prompt care medical clinic for a cold or something) and I was sent to the ER to get it under control. Spent a few hours in the ER to get it under control and then got an internist as my MD for followup. In about 90% of the cases the cause is unknown, which turned out to be the case with me. I've taken medication the past 10 years and it is very well controlled at a consistent 118 over 75 or so. Don't know the cause, but I'm sure alcohol abuse did not help any. It's really no big deal for me, but exercise and diet can help.