Hypertension Site

High blood pressure, causes, symptoms and control

What is high blood pressure?

Hypertension is a condition in which there is a tension, or high pressure in the arteries. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is a condition in which systolic pressure exceeds 140 on several occasions mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) in diastolic pressure of 90. The blood pressure reading shows the number of pressure upper systolic and diastolic pressure number on the bottom (ie, 140/90).

The systolic pressure is equal to in the arteries when the blood is pumped into them as the heart contracts. Diastolic blood pressure is the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart relax after each contraction.

An increase in systolic blood pressure or diastolic pressure or both, may be indicative of potential problems health. Untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), kidney failure, eye damage, and / or stroke.

The causes of high blood pressure

primary high blood pressure (Also known as hypertension) is much more common than secondary hypertension. Essential hypertension is about 95% of cases hypertension, which affects about 72 million Americans. The exact cause of primary high blood pressure is often difficult to identify. In fact, its cause is generally related to several factors combined.

Possible factors that could cause your blood pressure are primary:

• Genetics / Hereditary factors - the exact gene responsible for causing high blood pressure has not yet been identified. However, high blood pressure appears to be more frequent among certain groups, including African Americans, than others.
• Excessive salt intake
• Obesity
• Aging
• Disease the kidneys
• Diabetes
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking or being regularly exposed to cigarette smoke
• Levels high cholesterol
• Taking oral contraceptives
• Frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages

Symptoms High blood pressure

Often, there are no noticeable symptoms of high blood pressure until it has reached the stage of causing complications serious, such as heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. Premature death may be an inevitable consequence of untreated hypertension. Therefore, hypertension has been called "the silent murderer." This is why it is so important to have regular checkups and blood pressure. If there is a problem your blood pressure can be detected early through regular screening.

Sometimes the uncomplicated cases of pressure high blood causes symptoms such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision and difficulty breathing. Some people may decide not to seek medical attention when they appear these symptoms. They can also be encouraged to take their medications as prescribed. Moreover, these symptoms may be ignored or not even appear until more serious complications arise.

Tips to reduce high blood pressure

In addition to taking drugs prescribed to lower high blood pressure, other steps can be taken to keep blood pressure under control. Make positive changes in lifestyle can often reduce blood pressure significantly, too.

What are some steps you can take to reduce your high blood pressure?

1. Change their diet. Eat balanced, nutritious meals that are low in fat, cholesterol and sodium.

2. Quit smoking. Cigarette smoking increases the high risk for a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, emphysema and cancer. According to the American Lung Association, more than 400,000 Americans die each year due to smoking-related diseases.

3. Avoid excessive drinking. Drinking in moderation is not seems to represent a threat to heart health. However, when you consume more than three alcoholic drinks a day, you are putting yourself at risk of developing high blood pressure. Studies have shown that excessive consumption of alcohol inhibits blood flow to and from the heart, causing blood pressure to rise. Alcohol also promotes nutrient-rich blood from the heart as it flows through the bloodstream.

4. target = "_self"> Exercise. Obesity and inactivity are major contributors to high blood pressure. By increasing the amount of physical activity you get each day, you can lower your blood pressure pressure.

Benefits of exercise to control high blood pressure

According to Elijah Saunders, MD, cardiologist and hypertension expert at the University of Maryland, "a good way to lower your blood pressure and combat the corrosive effects of plaque accumulation is the exercise. Studies have shown that sedentary tend to raise blood pressure, while regular exercise can reduce. "

Exercise stimulates the production of a substance called nitric oxide. " Nitric oxide works to keep our blood vessels open, allowing blood to flow more efficiently the heart pumps harder during physical exertion. better blood flow means lower blood pressure. Nitric oxide production also slows or prevents arteriosclerosis.

Regular exercise also strengthens the heart. A heart stronger is able to pump more blood with less effort. A heart more effective results in low blood pressure.

Exercise leads to weight loss and weight maintenance. Obesity is a major cause of high blood pressure. In fact, obesity increases cardiac output and blood volume, and arterial resistance. Most obese people a sedentary lifestyle. By adopting a more active lifestyle, excess weight can be shed, leading to a lower body mass. In turn, the heart does not have to work so hard to deliver blood throughout the body, and blood pressure can be reduced significantly.

Any exercise is better than nothing. Even taking the stairs instead of lift or push the vacuum around your house produces some benefits. For optimal results, however, it is best to at least 30 minutes of aerobic daily exercise. Walking on a treadmill, dancing, bicycling, and using a target = "_self" elliptical trainer> are good examples of aerobic exercise.

Note: Before starting any exercise program, especially if you are obese or have other health problems, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.

About the Author

Cyndi Waters, a fitness writer from Smooth Fitness, has extensive experience writing about health, fitness, and wellness. Smooth Fitness specializes in selling home treadmills and ellipticals online at discount prices for any consumer looking to begin their quest to a healthier lifestyle.

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