Causes Of High Blood Pressure
According to experts, many things are responsible for the occurrence of high blood pressure. However, it is still unknown about the exact cause of the incident. The following are the known causes for the presence of high blood pressure:
- Aging
- Drinking alcohol more than two glasses per day for men and one glass for women
- Excess intake of the sodium salt
- The absence of physical activity
- Under physical and mental stress
- Following a diet that is low in magnesium, potassium, and calcium
Primary high blood pressure is the frequent occurrence or type of high blood pressure. Most of the people suffer from primary high blood pressure. Secondary high blood pressure occurs due to an underlying illness or excessive use of medicines to treat another disease. It occurs very less.
Elevated levels of the blood pressure do not mean that you are suffering from high blood pressure. It is common for the human body to display variations throughout the day. Additionally, a few people show stress for being present in the medical setting.
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About High Blood Pressure
Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood under pressure to the rest of your body through your arteries. You need some pressure to keep your blood moving, but if its consistently too high, it puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Other parts of your body, such as your brain and your kidneys may also be affected by high blood pressure.
Sometimes high blood pressure is caused by another health problem you already have. But most of the time theres no obvious cause. See our Section on causes below for more information.
Blood pressure is measured at two points:
- the highest level, when your heart muscle contracts and pumps blood out through the arteries this is called systolic blood pressure
- the lowest level, when your heart relaxes between beats and fills with blood this is called diastolic blood pressure
Your overall blood pressure reading combines these and is shown as two numbers measured in millimetres of mercury . A reading of around 120/80mmHg is seen as healthy above 140/90mmHg is considered high.
High Blood Pressure During Sleep
Question: What would cause blood pressure to spike extremely high while sleeping? Should one be able to see and feel it when it does this?
Answer: My number one concern from your query is whether we are dealing with obstructive sleep apnea. This common condition, associated with obesity, can cause many problems, including high blood pressure. Normal individuals have a dip in blood pressure during the night. Other individuals have a paradoxical nocturnal rise in blood pressure. Obstructive sleep apnea typically associates with snoring and episodes of disturbed breathing during the night. In addition to a personal history and physical examination, interviewing the patients sleep partner is a first step in diagnosing the condition. A formal sleep study can clinch the diagnosis. Treatment involves weight loss and a breathing device to be worn at night. Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea can help control high blood pressure and can increase alertness during the day, in addition to other health benefits.
Most often, increases in blood pressure do not cause symptoms. This is one of the reasons that this risk factor is so pernicious. An individual can feel perfectly well, yet have high blood pressure that predisposes to cardiovascular events.
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High Blood Pressure A Silent Killer
In most cases, high blood pressure has no obvious symptoms to indicate that something is wrong. It is always best to protect yourself by going for regular check-ups.
Some Insight To Know About High Blood Pressure:
- Majority of people with high blood pressure are not even aware they have it. Usually, the signs and symptoms are often misunderstood.
- There can be many causes of high blood pressure and it develops slowly over time.
- Once you develop high blood pressure it cannot be cured. However, it can be effectively managed especially by adopting good lifestyle changes and, when needed, medication.
Secondary High Blood Pressure
Some cases of high blood pressure are the result of underlying factors or cause and this is known as secondary high blood pressure.
Underlying factors include:
- kidney conditions, such as a kidney infection, or kidney disease
- narrowing of the arteries
- hormonal conditions, such as Cushing’s syndrome
- conditions that affect the bodys tissue, such as lupus
- medication, such as the oral contraceptive pill, or the type of painkillers that are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen
- recreational drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines and crystal meth
Occasionally, a rise in blood pressure can result from taking herbal remedies, such as herbal supplements.
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Difference In Blood Pressure Between Arms
Question: At a recent check of my blood pressure, my left arm was 135/88 and my right arm was 149/94. This has been going on for about a year. Should I have it checked out, and with what type of doctor?
Answer: Persistent differences in blood pressure between the arms can indicate disease of the arteries in the chest. An examination by a vascular specialist can help define the cause, and determine if it is an indication of a disease process and whether it needs treatment. The causes of a difference in blood pressure between arms include hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis, inflammatory diseases of the arteries, and certain structural abnormalities.
Blood Pressure Is Linked To Other Medical Issues
High blood pressure can be the first indication of a serious underlying condition. When a patient comes in with high blood pressure, doctors will check their urine and kidney function do an electrocardiogram to check the size of the heart and look for lung changes.
Stress on the blood vessels makes people with hypertension more prone to heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and aneurysms. Correspondingly, chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea and high cholesterol increase the risk for developing high blood pressure.
In some women, pregnancy can contribute to high blood pressure, leading to preeclampsia. Postpartum blood pressure typically goes back to normal levels within six weeks. However, some women who have high blood pressure during more than one pregnancy may be more likely to develop high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases as they age.
Some of these medical issues can also cause spikes in high blood pressure .
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What Questions Might I Be Asked In The Emergency Room
Your healthcare provider will interview you when you enter the emergency room. Do your best to prepare yourself to answer the following questions, and more, that your healthcare provider may ask.
- What medications are you on?
- Did you forget your blood pressure medication?
- What symptoms do you have?
- How long have you had these symptoms?
If youre unable to check your blood pressure, but think it might be high, dont hesitate to call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/14/2021.
References
Target Your High Blood Pressure
Once you have been diagnosed with hypertension, remember that high blood pressure can be lowered. For most people, blood pressure readings should be lower than 140/90 mmHg when measured in the doctors office. At home, your blood pressure should generally be below 135/85 mmHg. For those people with diabetes or kidney disease, lower blood pressure is even more important and should be below 130/80 mmHg when measured in the doctors office.
Most people who lead healthy lifestyles do not suffer from high blood pressure. For those with hypertension, following the steps outlined above will lower their blood pressure.
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What’s The Impact Of Having High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases such as:
- coronary heart disease – where the main arteries that supply your heart become clogged up with plaques
- strokes – a serious condition where the blood supply to your brain is interrupted
- heart attacks – a serious condition where the blood supply to part of your heart is blocked
Diabetes and kidney disease are also linked to high blood pressure complications.
Learning To Cope With Stress Can Help
Stress and hypertension have often been linked, but researchers are still looking into a direct relationship between the two. Still, the best advice to hypertensive patients: Try to relax.
When you are stressed, your body sends stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. These hormones create a temporary spike in blood pressure, causing your heart to beat faster and blood vessels to narrow. When the stressful situation is over, blood pressure goes back to its normal level.
Chronic stress, however, may cause your body to stay in this highly-charged state longer than natural.
While stress itself may or may not affect blood pressure, how you cope with stress does. For instance, overeating, smoking and drinking alcohol in response to stressful situations are direct causes of sustained high blood pressure. On the flip side, healthier coping mechanisms like exercising, practicing yoga and meditating can all help lower blood pressure.
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When Should You Go To The Hospital For High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a measurement that enables the doctor to learn how dense the blood is driving against the walls of the arteries. It is natural for an individual to experience up and down in the value throughout the day due to participation in several activities. However, if the pressure is always up, the person has high blood pressure.
If you are experiencing high blood pressure, it is time to seek immediate medical attention to ensure the safety of the heart and kidneys. A significant discrepancy in finding the presence of blood pressure in the early stage makes it difficult for anyone to identify the gradual growth of blood pressure. As it does not display any symptoms during the growth, doctors term it as the silent killer.
How Can I Lower My Blood Pressure Naturally Over Time
Now that weve discussed why theres no fail-proof, safe, and fast way to lower blood pressure, remember, there are still many ways to lower your blood pressure over time. Here are some simple recommendations:
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Exercise most days of the week. Exercise is the most effective way to lower your blood pressure. Being physically active at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week goes a long way toward keeping or getting your blood pressure under control.
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Consume a low-sodium diet. Too much sodium causes blood pressure to rise. The AHA recommends keeping your daily sodium intake to less than 2 grams, but keeping it less than 1.5 grams is even better! The DASH diet provides a low-sodium eating plan for you to use as an example.
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Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day. Drinking more than average1 drink for women and 2 drinks for mencan cause your blood pressure to rise. Plus, alcohol can cause you to pack on the pounds, which can also lead to an increase in blood pressure.
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Make stress reduction a priority. Stressful situations can cause your blood pressure to go up temporarily. But if you continue to be stressed, your blood pressure can remain high. Find calming activities you can do every day to help you relieve stress. Coloring, walking outside, listening to relaxing music, and even taking a warm bath can help you keep you lower your stress levels.
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When Should I Go To The Hospital For High Blood Pressure
today at my drs office my blood pressure was high, was 149/91. they sent me home with a 24 hour urine kit, i have a blood pressure cuff at home and ive been taking my blood pressure, its been getting higher, the lowest was 146/106, the highest i got was 163/108 and i was wondering if something could happen really bad between now and my next drs visit… if there any symptoms or if it gets high to a certain point i should go to the hospital? im really worried. thanks.
Quoting klynn317:” today at my drs office my blood pressure was high, was 149/91. they sent me home with a 24 hour urine … … visit… if there any symptoms or if it gets high to a certain point i should go to the hospital? im really worried. thanks.”
If I was you I would go that is high…. Do you feel ok?
yes i feel fine but i did get the pain under my right ribs like the doctor explained, she didnt explain what kind of pain, but it was a real bad burning/stinging sensation but it went away shortly after a minute. i get swelling in my hands on and off but my legs are constantly swollen, but not my feet.
I’d maybe call your OB first and let them know. They really need that 24 hr urine though so try not to stray from that. I had pre-e with my first and it was no joke.
That high I’d roll onto my left side and take it again in a few minutes, if still that high, I’d take my butt in.
Regular Blood Pressure Checks For Over Over 40’s
The only way to find out whether you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Ask your GP when you are next due for yours to be checked.
Blood pressure checks are usually available on request at most GP surgeries and health clinics. Some surgeries have home monitoring devices available, which you may be able to use at the time of blood pressure medication start up or change. Many also have a policy of arranging regular checks for you.
Adults who are over 40 and have not been diagnosed with high blood pressure should have their blood pressure checked at least once every five years. However, your blood pressure should ideally be checked more frequently, particularly if you have any contributory risk factors.
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High Blood Pressure: When To Seek Emergency Care
May 7, 2020
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death for Americans. Tens of millions of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and many do not have it under control because of rare physical symptoms. That is why it is also known as the silent killer.
In the United States, key findings by the recognized government bodies indicate that:
- Nearly 1 out of 2 adults have hypertension .
- Most adults with hypertension do not have their hypertension under control .
- Most adults with hypertension are recommended prescription medication with lifestyle modifications .
Its important that we share with you to learn about what high blood pressure is, and when you may be having a life-threatening blood pressure complication.
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When To Go To The Er For High Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure
Whether you struggle with high blood pressure on a regular basis or have a one-off high reading, it can be difficult to know when to go to the ER for high blood pressure . But since a hypertensive emergency can lead to organ damage, its important to know when to worry about a blood pressure reading and make the trip to the ER.
Fortunately, there are guidelines you can follow. Here is a list of definitive examples of when to go to the ER for high blood pressure, along with answers to top FAQs regarding high blood pressure.
Youre Experiencing A Hypertensive Urgency Or Hypertensive Emergency
Hypertensive urgencies and hypertensive emergencies are by far the most common types of hypertensive crises. The two types of emergencies differ in terms of severity, but both are serious conditions and both instances of when to go to the ER for high blood pressure.
A hypertensive urgency occurs when your blood pressure has reached 180/120 but you are not yet experiencing symptoms or organ failure. A hypertensive urgency may be a temporary spike in blood pressure. If you are not experiencing symptoms, wait five minutes, then take your blood pressure again. If your blood pressure has remained at 180/120, have someone drive you to the ER you are at-risk for a hypertensive emergency.
A hypertensive emergency occurs when your blood has reached 180/120 and you are experiencing symptoms. Symptoms include severe chest pain, severe headache, and blurred vision, and may also include symptoms of other medical issues that are caused by or related to the hypertensive emergency. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in conjunction with a blood pressure reading of 180/120, it is essential that you seek medical treatment immediately.
For a thorough examination of these hypertensive urgency and hypertensive emergency, please see our article,What is a Hypertensive Crisis?
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Facts About High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects your health at every level
There’s a good reason why every doctor’s appointment starts with a blood pressure check. While one in three American adults has high blood pressure, about 20% of people are unaware that they have it because it is largely symptomless.
In fact, most people find out they have high blood pressure during a routine office visit.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps blood. High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is when that force is too high and begins harming the body. If left untreated, it willl eventually cause damage to the heart and blood vessels.
Your blood pressure is measured in two numbers: The top systolic blood pressure measures the force pushing against artery walls when the heart is contracting. The bottom diastolic blood pressure measures pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats.
Normal blood pressure levels are 120 mmHg/80 mmHg or lower. At risk levels are 120-139 mmHg/80-89 mmHg. Readings of 140 mmHg/90 mmHg or higher are defined as high blood pressure.
Here are six other things you should know about high blood pressure.