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Introduction to High Blood Pressure
Symptoms - The disease can go untreated for years because in many cases there are virtually no physical symptoms of high blood pressure.
This is a dangerous and serious situation because high blood pressure that goes untreated can cause:-
... and other serious, and possibly fatal, medical conditions.
According to the American Heart Association, one in three individuals has high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
Unfortunately, a staggering number of those individuals, almost one-third, may not even realize that they have high blood pressure.
Despite how serious a medical problem high blood pressure can be, many people fail to understand blood pressure, how it works and why it is so important to keep it in check. Taking the time to understand these simple facts is the first step toward taking control of your blood pressure.
Normal Blood Pressure
One of the most confusing aspects about blood pressure for most people is the systolic and diastolic pressures.
Basically, systolic pressure is the force at which your blood rushes through your arteries when your heart is beating.
While diastolic is the same force while your heart is resting.
The measurements are given in millimeters of mercury and represent how easy or difficult it is for your blood to pass through the arteries from the heart to the capillaries, organs and back to the heart once again.
In general, when your arteries are more open, the easier it will be for blood to pass through.
However, when your arteries are constricted, it will be more difficult for your blood to pass through. When the arteries are constricted, there is an increased strain on your heart as well as your brain and kidneys, to pump the blood through the arteries.
Blood pressure that is considered to be ‘high’ is any measurement that is greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure.
High Blood Pressure Causes
While in most cases, there is no known cause for high blood pressure, there are some situations that can lead to the development of hypertension.
Any type of kidney abnormality or malfunction, the narrowing of arteries which increases the difficulty of blood to pass through and congenital aortic abnormalities can all lead to high blood pressure.
Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure
Anyone, including children, can develop high blood pressure but there are some groups of the population who are more at risk for developing high blood pressure and need to take special care in monitoring it.
These groups include:
Certain other medical conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease, also make an individual more susceptible to high blood pressure. Finally, persons who are aware of the presence of high blood pressure in close relatives should pay close attention to the monitoring of their own blood pressure.
High blood pressure readings, if you think you are just nervous, should never be taken lightly.
While there are some demographics that are naturally more at risk for high blood pressure than others, it’s a good idea for everyone, including children, to have their blood pressure checked regularly.
Managing High Blood Pressure
It is important to recognize, that there is no cure for high blood pressure.
There are a number of ways to manage the issue, but care must be taken to stay on top of high blood pressure or it will return.
There are a number of steps individuals with high blood pressure can take to manage it:
Today there are a number of recipes and cookbooks designed specifically for the purpose of controlling high blood pressure.
Medication for High Blood Pressure
Discuss blood pressure medication with your physician.
He or she will be able to decide whether you need it along with other lifestyle changes.
In some cases, lifestyle changes are enough to lower high blood pressure.
However, some situations require the use of medication to completely control high blood pressure.
If your doctor does prescribe high blood pressure medication to control your high blood pressure, take it regularly according to the directions.
Sadly; far too many people believe they can take their high blood pressure medication for a little while and then stop when they begin to feel better ...
... this is an extremely dangerous course of action.
Finally, be sure to report any adverse side effects or reactions to your physician when you first begin your blood pressure medication. It may be necessary to adjust your medication to find the right medication and combination that works for you and your situation.
To find out more about high blood pressure take a look at our frequently updated blood pressure articles.
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