The cause of high blood pressure, in the majority of cases, is unknown. This type of high blood pressure is known as "primary or essential hypertension," and 95% of sufferers -- more than 70 million Americans -- have it.
Normal blood pressure has a reading below 120/80. Blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is referred to as "pre-hypertension." High blood pressure has a reading of 140/90 or above.
Fortunately, some of the contributing factors to high blood pressure are known.
Arteriosclerosis, the hardening of plaque along the walls of the arteries, is one contributing factor. Other causes are the thickening of artery walls and small arteries.
The other causes are not a single underlying problem but a combination of various factors that have been concluded to be the causes of high blood pressure. They include:
Excess alcohol -- Alcohol plays a direct part in your blood pressure. It has been found in several studies that the higher the alcohol consumption, the higher the blood pressure. However, similar studies have also shown that moderate drinkers appear to have a lower blood pressure than non-drinkers. Moderation is the key.
Excess salt -- There is little doubt that salt intake has a direct effect on blood pressure. Both this and the ingestion of dietary potassium have been found to have adverse effects on a person's health. High salt intake is considered to be anything more than 5.8 grams per day.
Diet and Being Overweight -- Obesity is another major problem. Overweight people are more likely to have a higher blood pressure than their slim counterparts. The heart and other vital organs have to work harder, which leads to added strain.
Stress -- At work or home.
The two most important and affecting factors are high salt intake and genetic tendencies. The first is easily controlled … for the second, diligent monitoring is key.
The only true way of ascertaining whether you have high blood pressure is by having it checked by a doctor or even self-monitored at home. This is an easy procedure and every adult should have their blood pressure taken on an annual basis, if not more often.
Secondary Hypertension
There are a few cases of high blood pressure in which the underlying problem from which it stems is known. This type of high blood pressure is known as 'secondary hypertension.'
Secondary hypertension is said to be caused by a kidney abnormality, a tumor(s) in the adrenal gland, or a congenital defect of the aorta. Treating the underlying cause will usually return the blood pressure back to normal.
Unfortunately, of all high blood pressure patients, only five percent will have 'secondary hypertension.'
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is essential and effective in both preventing and controlling high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes alone, however, may not be enough. … it may be necessary to take blood pressure medications.
Source: articlecircle.com
