Manji

@manji1680344876 · 03 Nov 2021

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What Are the Causes of High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure also known as hypertension is a condition that takes place when blood is pumped to the arteries at high pressure. Several things cause high blood pressure. If the condition stays for long, it can lead to other health problems. People with long-term hypertension are more likely to get a stroke, kidney failure, heart attack, and heart disease. Let’s find out what are the causes of high blood pressure.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

Different things like genetic, your age, medicine, food, and lifestyle can cause high blood pressure. It is important to seek medical help to determine the cause of your high blood pressure. The following are some of the common things that bring about high blood pressure.

•    Eating a diet high in cholesterol, fat, and salt.
•    Having chronic conditions like diabetes, hormone, and kidney problems.
•    History of hypertension in your family.
•    Failure of engaging in physical activity.
•    Being obese or overweight
•    Drinking excess alcohol and using tobacco.
•    Use of birth control and other types of medicines.
•    Stress

What Do Numbers Mean in High Blood Pressure?

Doctors measure blood pressure with two numbers. The first number is referred to as systolic blood pressure. This number measures the pressure inside your arteries during a heartbeat. The other number is known as diastolic blood pressure. It measures your arteries pressure when the heart rests between heartbeats.

The normal blood pressure level is always less than 120/80 mmHg. The table below explains the normal, systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

       Systolic in mm Hg     Diastolic in mm Hg
Normal     Less than 120     Less than 80
Hypertension     120-129     Less than 80
Stage 1 hypertension  130-139     80-90
Stage 2 hypertension    140 and above      90 and above
Hypertensive crisis      Over 180     Over 120


Symptoms and Signs of High Blood Pressure

How do you know you are suffering from high blood pressure? Many people hardly know they are suffering from high blood pressure. That is why this condition is regarded as a silent killer. A high blood pressure of 180/120 mmHg is an emergency medical situation. There are certain symptoms and signs you should check out. They include:

•    Heart palpitations
•    Nosebleeds
•    Vomiting
•    Nausea
•    Headache
•    Dizziness
•    Breathlessness
•    Blurred vision


When to See a Doctor

Ensure your blood pressure is taken for every doctor’s appointment. People from the age of 18 years should ask their doctor to take their blood pressure every two years. This is because people from 18-39 years are more prone to high blood pressure. If your doctor diagnoses you with high blood pressure, you need to take frequent readings. This will help you control your blood pressure.


Conclusion

High blood pressure can have an impact on your kidneys, brain, heart, and cardiovascular system. It is great to engage in activities that lower your blood pressure to prevent these severe conditions. Such activities include losing weight, getting enough sleep, and engaging in exercise. I’m hoping with the above tips; it will be easier for you to maintain healthy blood pressure.

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