Hypertension can have several causes. A person’s blood that is thicker than it should be due to excessive amounts of lipids and fats can make it more difficult for the heart to pump it through the blood vessels. As a person ages, their veins can become harder and less flexible, combining that with the thickening of the blood can put stress on the heart, increasing a person’s blood pressure. The longer a person’s heart has to struggle to pump the blood through the body, the weaker it becomes. Blood thinners are often used to help thin the blood and allow it to flow through the circulatory system without any issues. Exercise may also prove to be somewhat beneficial in helping the heart regain its strength as long as it doesn’t place undue stress or strain on the muscle.