Tuesday, March 26, 2024
HomeExclusiveWhat Are The Main Causes Of Hypertension

What Are The Main Causes Of Hypertension

Can You Live A Long Life With Hypertension

Hypertension- causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Hypertension is also called the ‘silent killer’. If you leave Hypertension untreated there is a higher chance of death within a year. High blood pressure has an average survival rate of 10 months. It can even lead to stroke, blindness, heart attack, and kidney disease. So, it is advised to keep your bp level in the normal range and always keep a check on your level of Blood pressure.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hypertension

Hypertension is generally a silent condition. Many people wont experience any symptoms. It may take years or even decades for the condition to reach levels severe enough that symptoms become obvious. Even then, these symptoms may be attributed to other issues.

of severe hypertension can include:

  • flushing

According to the American Heart Association , contrary to popular thought, severe hypertension doesnt typically cause nosebleeds or headaches except when someone is in hypertensive crisis.

The best way to know if you have hypertension is to get regular blood pressure readings. Most doctors offices take a blood pressure reading at every appointment.

If you only have a yearly physical, talk with your doctor about your risks for hypertension and other readings you may need to help you watch your blood pressure.

For example, if you have a family history of heart disease or have risk factors for developing the condition, your doctor may recommend that you have your blood pressure checked twice a year. This helps you and your doctor stay on top of any possible issues before they become problematic.

There are two types of hypertension. Each type has a different cause.

Why Is Your Blood Pressure Important

Your blood pressure is important because if it is too high, it affects the blood flow to your organs. Over the years, this increases your chances of developing heart disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, eye disease, erectile dysfunction and other conditions.

Very occasionally, people with very high blood pressure are at serious risk of problems and need urgent treatment in hospital to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Current Australian guidelines recommend that if you have persistent raised blood pressure over 160/100 mmHg, but are at low risk of having a stroke or heart attack, you should talk to your doctor or specialist about taking medication to lower your blood pressure.

For further information, visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website.

If youre over 18, you should have your blood pressure checked by your doctor at least every 2 years, or more often if advised.

Recommended Reading: Will Claritin Raise Blood Pressure

Major Causes Of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common yet life-threatening health condition characterized by the unhealthy levels of blood pressure in the body. Since it does not have any symptoms, most people diagnosed with this disease are at serious health risks. It may develop over a period of time without symptoms and is capable of causing damage to blood vessels and arteries.

Early detection is the key to treating hypertension or at least, keeping the blood pressure to manageable levels. To notice any changes, its necessary to take regular blood pressure readings at home and keep the health risks to a minimal level. You can use a certified and high-quality blood pressure monitor to know the blood pressure levels in the body at any particular point of time and keep risks away.

Causes of hypertension

Hypertension is a serious health issue and those suffering from it should check themselves regularly or consult the doctor on a frequent basis. In general, medical science is yet to establish any cause behind the primary category of high blood pressure. However, some health issues or medications are supposed to lead to other or secondary types of blood pressures.

1# Age& family history

2# Overweight

3# Gender

4# Lifestyle

5# Smoking & alcohol

6# Diet & salt

7# Stress

8# Diabetes

akshaysharma is author at LeraBlog. The author’s views are entirely their own and may not reflect the views and opinions of LeraBlog staff.

How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed

Causes of Hypertension stock image. Image of high ...

High blood pressure is diagnosed with a blood pressure monitor. This is a common test for all doctor visits. A nurse will place a band around your arm. The band is attached to a small pump and a meter. He or she will squeeze the pump. It will feel tight around your arm. Then he or she will stop and watch the meter. This provides the nurse with 2 numbers that make up your blood pressure. The top number is your systolic reading . The bottom number is your diastolic reading . You may also hear the doctor or nurse say a blood pressure is 120 over 80.

  • Normal blood pressure is less than 120 on top and less than 80 on the bottom.
  • Prehypertension levels are 120-139 on top and 80-89 on the bottom.
  • High blood pressure, stage 1 is 140-159 on top and 90-99 on the bottom.
  • High blood pressure, stage 2 is 160 or higher on top and 100 and over on the bottom.

The higher your blood pressure is, the more often you need to have it checked. After age 18, have your blood pressure checked at least once every two years. Do it more often if you have had high blood pressure in the past.

You May Like: Claritan And High Blood Pressure

Managing High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

As part of your regular prenatal care, your doctor will measure your blood pressure at each visit. Learn more about how to prepare for a blood pressure test.

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will closely monitor you and your baby and provide special care to lower the chance of complications. You may need to:

  • Check your blood pressure at home. Visit Measure Your Blood Pressure for more information.
  • Keep track of how many times you feel the baby kicking each day.
  • Limit your physical activity. Talk to your doctor about what level of physical activity is right for you.
  • Take medicine to control your blood pressure. If you do, talk to your doctor about which medicines are safe for your baby. These medicines may include calcium-channel blockers , taken by mouth, or beta blockers or vasodilators , given through an IV.
  • Take aspirin in the second trimester, if you are at risk of preeclampsia and your doctor recommends aspirin.
  • Visit your doctor more often to monitor your condition and your babys growth rate and heart rate. He or she may order blood and urine tests to check how well your organs are working, which can help detect preeclampsia.

If your doctor is concerned about you or your babys health, they may recommend that you deliver your baby before 39 weeks. You may need to stay in the hospital to get medicine that will help your babys lungs develop faster and to be monitored before and after you deliver your baby.

Eating Too Much Sodium

Regularly eating too much sodium is known to increase your risk of hypertension. Americans seem to over-consume salt. The American Heart Association recommends eating less than 1500 mg of salt a day, but on average, Americans eat over 3400 mg daily! Reducing that by just 1000 mg can have great benefits.

Long-term, high-salt intake can increase your risk for stroke, heart problems, and other health issues. Older adults, African Americans, and people with diabetes or kidney problems may need to aim for even lower salt intake than the 1500 mg per day recommendation, as research shows that blood pressure in these groups tends to respond more strongly to salt.

If you regularly consume a lot of salt, lowering your salt intake can help to lower your risk for hypertension and other heart problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a great guide to help you here.

You May Like: How Does Alcohol Increase Blood Pressure Mechanism

What Are The Complications Of Uncontrolled Hypertension

  • Chest pain, also called angina.
  • Heart attack, which occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked and heart muscle cells die from lack of oxygen. The longer the blood flow is blocked, the greater the damage to the heart.
  • Heart failure, which occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to other vital body organs.
  • Irregular heart beat which can lead to a sudden death.

Monitor Your Blood Pressure Regularly

What Affects Blood Pressure – The Cause Of Essential Hypertension

The best way to prevent complications and avoid problems is to recognize hypertension early.

Keep a log of your blood pressure readings and take it to your regular doctor appointments. This can help your doctor see any possible problems before the condition advances.

People with hypertension can deliver healthy babies despite having the condition. But it can be dangerous to both the birthing parent and baby if its not monitored closely and managed during the pregnancy.

People with high blood pressure who become pregnant are more likely to develop complications . For example, pregnant women with hypertension may experience decreased kidney function. Babies born to birthing parents with hypertension may have a low birth weight or be born prematurely.

Some people may develop hypertension during their pregnancies. Several types of high blood pressure problems can develop. The condition often reverses itself once the baby is born. Developing hypertension during pregnancy may increase your risk for developing hypertension later in life.

You May Like: What Are The Symptoms For High Blood Pressure

Can Hypertension Be Normal

Basically, the normal blood pressure is under 120/80, and before normal under 140/90. The guidelines for blood pressure measurement is:

  • Stage 1: Hypertension or high blood pressure is diagnosed between 130 and 139 systolic or 80 and 89 diastolic.
  • Stage 2: High bp is now over 140 systolic and 90 diastolic.

What Are The Natural Remedies For Hypertension

Hypertension is a condition to be treated at the right time. However, some of the natural remedies will work out for hypertension such as maintaining healthy BMI, regular exercises, cutting down excess sodium, added sugar and refined carbs, stop smoking, and alcohol intake.

Other remedies like eating well-balanced diet, reducing stress, doing breathing exercise and meditation to make your mind calm, intaking calcium and magnesium-rich food, taking natural supplementsâ are primarily counted in the natural remedies account.

You May Like: Calibrating Omron Blood Pressure Monitor

How Can I Be More Active

  • Check first with your healthcare provider before increasing your physical activity. Ask your provider what type and amount of exercise is right for you.
  • Choose aerobic activities such as walking, biking or swimming.
  • Start slowly and increase activity gradually. Aim for a regular routine of activity five times a week for 30 to 45 minutes each session.

How Hypertension Is Diagnosed

Hypertension

Hypertension is usually diagnosed during a routine body checkup. It is advisable to visit a general physician on the off chance that you develop high blood pressure. People who are between the age group of 18 to 39 and 40 years or older are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. An appropriate sized arm cuff is used to diagnose Hypertension. There are some machines available which can analyze your blood pressure levels for free.

Read Also: Does Spicy Food Raise Blood Pressure

What Is Essential Hypertension

Essential hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that has no clearly identifiable cause, but is thought to be linked to genetics, poor diet, lack of exercise and obesity. It is by far the most common form of high blood pressure, affecting the majority of those who experience hypertension. It is also known as primary hypertension.

As the heart pumps blood through the circulatory system, blood presses against the artery walls. High blood pressure occurs when the walls of the arteries exert a stronger oppositional force, which requires the heart to work harder in order to move blood through the body. This results in an increase in the pressure of blood in the arteries.

There are a variety of methods for managing essential hypertension, including lifestyle changes and medication. If left untreated, the condition can lead to serious complications, including heart attack and heart failure. People concerned that they may have essential hypertension can use the free Ada app to carry out a symptom assessment.

The #1 Cause Of High Blood Pressure According To Science

Nearly every time you walk into a doctorâs office or hospital, one of the first things they do is check your blood pressure. High blood pressure is when the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels is consistently too high, per the CDCand, thereâs a good chance yours is. Approximately half of Americans suffer from hypertension, which is the primary or contributing cause of around 500,000 deaths per year. What exactly is it and what is the number one cause? Here is everything you need to know about high blood pressure. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, donât miss these Sure Signs You Have âLongâ COVID and May Not Even Know It.

Donât Miss: Can Claritin Cause High Blood Pressure

Don’t Miss: Claritin D High Blood Pressure

Too Much Alcohol Consumption

Do you frequently drink alcohol to excess? Research has found that alcohol stimulates the production of endothelin 1 and 2 from the vascular endothelium system. Additionally, the consumption increases the production of angiotensin II in the blood vessels. Medical practitioners will tell you that these two products are potential vasoconstrictors and can lead to increased blood volume, which translates into higher blood pressure.

What Is Normal Blood Pressure

Causes and Symptoms of Hypertension | Medical Minute Monday Ep. 15

A blood pressure reading is written like this: 120/80. Its read as 120 over 80. The top number is called the systolic . The bottom number is called the diastolic

The ranges are:

  • Stage 1 high blood pressure: 130-139/80-89
  • Stage 2 high blood pressure: 140 and above/90 and above
  • Hypertension crisis: higher than 180/higher than 120 See a doctor right away

If your blood pressure is above the normal range, talk to your doctor about lowering it.

You May Like: Can You Take Claritin With High Blood Pressure

How Can Hypertension Be Prevented

You can keep your blood pressure normal by following a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a normal and nutritious diet, indulging in physical activities, managing stress levels, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, cutting down caffeine helps in preventing hypertension. When you feel stressed, try to see natural views, listen to music and do meditation to relax.

If you are already a victim of hypertension, then you should be careful to prevent it from worsening or causing complications. You should always consult the doctor regularly and follow the prescribed medications without any breaks. Keep a BP monitoring device at home to check out your blood pressure periodically.

What Can I Expect If I Have This Condition

Since high blood pressure doesnt cause many symptoms at first, you probably wont feel any different with a high blood pressure diagnosis. But its important to follow your providers instructions to bring your blood pressure down so it doesnt cause serious illnesses later in life.

How long does high blood pressure last?

If you have primary high blood pressure, youll need to control it for the rest of your life.

If you have secondary high blood pressure, your blood pressure will most likely come down after you receive treatment for the medical problem that caused it. If a medication caused your high blood pressure, switching to a different medicine may lower your blood pressure.

What is the outlook for high blood pressure?

You can get seriously ill if you dont treat your high blood pressure. However, if you take the medicines your provider ordered, you can control your blood pressure. Exercising and eating healthy foods also helps lower your blood pressure.

Don’t Miss: Can You Take Your Blood Pressure Too Much

How Do I Know If I Have High Blood Pressure

Theres only one way to know if you have high blood pressure: Have a doctor or other health professional measure it. Measuring your blood pressure is quick and painless.

Talk with your health care team about regularly measuring your blood pressure at home, also called self-measured blood pressure monitoring.

High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it.

Your Blood Pressure Consists Of 2 Numbers:

Hypertension

The first number measures the force as your heart beats. This is called systolic pressure.

The second number measures the force as your heart relaxes. This is called diastolic pressure. Someone with a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80 has a blood pressure of 120/80, or 120 over 80.

An ideal blood pressure for an adult is less than 120/80. You have high blood pressure if your top number is 130 or higher, or your bottom number is 80 or higher, or both.

You May Like: What Are The Symptoms For High Blood Pressure

Treatment And Medication Options For High Blood Pressure

Most people who have high blood pressure will likely need lifelong treatment to help ward off or delay serious health problems brought on by the condition.

Options to treat high blood pressure may include eating a healthy diet with less salt, taking medication, and incorporating additional lifestyle changes. These include exercise, limiting alcohol intake, smoking cessation, and managing stress.

Why Is Hypertension An Important Issue In Low

The prevalence of hypertension varies across regions and country income groups. The WHO African Region has the highest prevalence of hypertension while the WHO Region of the Americas has the lowest prevalence of hypertension .

The number of adults with hypertension increased from 594 million in 1975 to 1.13 billion in 2015, with the increase seen largely in low- and middle-income countries. This increase is due mainly to a rise in hypertension risk factors in those populations.

Also Check: Prevention Of Low Blood Pressure

RELATED ARTICLES

Popular Articles