High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Symptoms, Causes & Your Genetic Risk
Hypertension is often called a "silent" condition — most people have no symptoms until it has already caused damage. Here's what to watch for, and the genetic and lifestyle factors, including salt sensitivity, behind it.
Symptoms to watch for
Because hypertension is frequently asymptomatic, regular blood pressure measurement — not waiting for symptoms — is the only reliable way to detect it.
- Headaches, particularly at the back of the head
- Shortness of breath during normal activity
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nosebleeds (in severe, uncontrolled cases)
- Chest discomfort
- Visual disturbances
- Often: no symptoms at all, even with significantly elevated readings
What causes it?
Blood pressure is shaped by a combination of factors — including diet, body weight, activity, stress, and genetics, especially how sensitive an individual is to dietary salt.
Genetic factors
ACE — central to the renin-angiotensin system, which regulates blood vessel constriction and blood pressure. An intron-16 insertion/deletion variant in this gene (rs4646994) was significantly associated with hypertension risk in a North Indian case-control and South Asian meta-analysis (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.16–2.43).[1]
SLC4A5 — linked to salt sensitivity, meaning some individuals' blood pressure rises more sharply in response to dietary sodium than others. Supported by the GenSalt study, a large-cohort investigation of salt-sensitivity genetics.[2]
Family history of hypertension — reflects a broader combination of inherited genetic risk factors.
- [1] Sopori S, Bhan S, Dhar A, Bhat A. Association of ACE I/D polymorphism with essential hypertension in South-Asian populations: gender-bias in Indian populations — evidence from case-control and meta-analysis studies. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst. 2025. doi:10.1177/14703203251403221.
- [2] GenSalt study. Common variants in Na+-coupled bicarbonate transporter genes and salt sensitivity of blood pressure. J Hum Hypertens. 2016;30(3):171-176.
Lifestyle & environmental factors
- High dietary sodium intake (common in processed, packaged and restaurant foods)
- Excess body weight, particularly abdominal fat
- Low physical activity levels
- Chronic stress, which can elevate blood pressure both acutely and over time
- High alcohol consumption
- Poor sleep quality, including undiagnosed sleep apnea
How unlock.fit's DNA + blood approach helps
Not everyone's blood pressure responds the same way to salt. Someone who is genetically salt-sensitive may see meaningful improvements from sodium reduction — someone without that sensitivity may need to focus on weight, activity or stress instead.
Our DNA and blood panel identifies which factors matter most for you, so our dietitians can build a sodium-calibrated, practical meal plan — not a generic "low salt" recommendation.
- DNA + blood panel maps your salt sensitivity and metabolic risk markers
- Dietitians translate results into the levers that matter most for you
- A sodium-calibrated, practical meal plan — built around you, not a generic rule
Frequently asked questions
Is high blood pressure genetic?
Yes, genetics plays a meaningful role, including genes that regulate blood vessel constriction (like ACE) and individual salt sensitivity (like SLC4A5). Family history is one of the strongest known risk factors.
What are the warning signs of high blood pressure?
Hypertension is often symptomless, which is why it's called a "silent" condition. When symptoms do appear, they can include headaches (particularly at the back of the head), shortness of breath during normal activity, dizziness, chest discomfort and, in severe cases, nosebleeds or visual disturbances. Because most people have no symptoms at all, regular blood pressure measurement — not waiting for symptoms — is the only reliable way to catch it early.
Does everyone need to cut salt for blood pressure?
Not necessarily. Salt sensitivity varies by individual — some people's blood pressure rises sharply with sodium intake, partly due to genetic factors like variants in SLC4A5, while others are far less affected. For salt-sensitive individuals, sodium reduction can meaningfully lower blood pressure; for others, factors like body weight, activity levels or stress may matter more. This is why unlock.fit's DNA and blood panel checks your individual salt sensitivity before recommending a plan, rather than applying a blanket "low salt" rule to everyone.
Can diet alone control high blood pressure?
For some people with mild to moderately elevated readings, diet and lifestyle changes — including sodium reduction, weight management and regular activity — can meaningfully lower blood pressure. However, hypertension is a medical condition that should be diagnosed and monitored by a doctor, and many people need medication alongside lifestyle changes to reach a safe target. unlock.fit's plans are designed to work alongside your doctor's care, not replace it.
Find out if you're genetically salt-sensitive
Get your DNA + blood report and a sodium-calibrated plan built around your biology — not a blanket "low salt" rule.
If you've been diagnosed with hypertension, continue physician-guided treatment alongside any nutrition plan.