High blood pressure also known as hypertension is a condition that may cause health problems because it is a long term force of the blood against your artery walls. Blood flows through blood vessels higher than the normal pressure.
A systolic pressure below 120mmHg and a diastolic pressure below 80mmHg is the normal blood pressure for adults. Blood pressure usually rises with age and body scope.
Two types of High Blood Pressure
- Primary High Blood Pressure
Primary or essential hypertension tends to develop over years.
- Secondary High Blood Pressure
Secondary hypertension tends to appear all of a sudden that causes higher blood pressure.
If diagnosed with hypertension, you may encounter the following signs that may mean your condition is secondary hypertension:
- Hypertension that does not respond to medications.
- A systolic blood pressure over 180 mmHg or over 120 mmHg of diastolic blood pressure is considered as very high blood pressure.
- No obesity
- No family history
Signs and symptoms
Lifestyle factors are responsible for a growing burden of hypertension. Physically inactive, fatty foods, alcohol and tobacco can cause hypertension.
Hypertension can be secondary to other conditions also, such as kidney diseases.
Medications also can be associated with hypertension.
The following can be associated with hypertension:
- Severe headache
- Fatigue
- Chest Pain
- Vision Problems
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Blood in Urine
- Difficulty Breathing
Treatment and Prevention
Lifestyles are used first to treat hypertension. It includes:
- Salt Restriction – typical salt consumption is between 9 and 12 g a day. Modest blood pressure declines can be attained in people with usual levels by lowering salt to around 5 g a day. The highest effects are perceived in people with hypertension.
- Control of alcohol consumption – Research rules say moving from moderate to extreme drinking is “linked both with high blood pressure and with an increased threat of stroke”.
- High intake of vegetables and fruits – people at risk of high blood pressure are directed to minimize intake of saturated fat.
- Regular Exercise – hypertension is closely connected with excessbody heaviness and weight reduction is accompanied by a fall in blood pressure
- Reduce stress – avoiding stress and develop healthy coping approaches for managing stress can help control hypertension, especially to those who are engaged to alcohol, drugs, smoking and unnatural foods to manage stress.
Smoking can also increase blood pressure. It has a broader effect on heart health and the rest of the body so giving up smoking is highly suggested for people with high blood pressure.