High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the pressure of the blood flowing against the artery walls is above the normal range. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the blood flow resistance in the arteries. If the heart pumps more blood than normal, and the arteries are narrower than normal, the result is high blood pressure. Untreated high blood pressure can cause serious health problems, including heart attack, kidney failure and stroke. There are two types of high blood pressure: primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is high blood pressure that develops gradually over the course of time, and secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that results from an underlying medical condition.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms. Prolonged and untreated high blood pressure may cause headaches, dizzy spells or nosebleeds.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

In most cases, the cause of high blood pressure, especially primary hypertension, is unknown. Secondary hypertension may be caused by various conditions or medications including:

  • Kidney problems
  • Thyroid problems
  • Congenital defects in blood vessels
  • Birth control pills
  • Decongestants
  • Certain prescription medications
  • Obesity

Alcohol or illegal drug abuse may also lead to high blood pressure.

Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

Risk factors for developing high blood pressure may include:

  • Family history
  • Being African-American
  • Increased age
  • Obesity
  • High sodium intake
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Lack of physical activity or exercise
  • Smoking
  • Stress

Chronic conditions such as kidney problems, hormone problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol may all increase an individual's risk of high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Diagnosis and Measurement

Blood pressure is commonly measured during a physical exam. An inflatable arm cuff is fit around the arm to measure the blood pressure using a pressure-measuring gauge. This gauge yields two sets of numbers. The first number is the systolic reading, the pressure when the heart is beating. The second number is the diastolic number, the pressure when the heart is resting. High blood pressure occurs when the systolic reading is at 140 or higher, and the diastolic reading is 90 or above.

High Blood Pressure Treatment

High blood pressure is often initially treated with lifestyle changes that may include:

  • Losing weight
  • Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and fat
  • Limiting alcohol intake
  • Exercising and staying physically active
  • Quitting smoking

Hypertension that does not respond to lifestyle changes alone, is often treated with medication that may include alpha blockers, vasodilators, aldosterone antagonists, and central-acting agents. Treating any underlying conditions can also help to control high blood pressure.

Complications of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a serious condition. Left untreated, hypertension may cause:

  • Heart failure
  • Kidney failure
  • Heart attack
  • Aneurysm
  • Stroke

Controlling blood pressure can reduce the risks of these complications.

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