What causes High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension or High blood pressure is quite a common condition these days. This maybe a result of our hectic routines or increasing stress levels. Well, one cannot stop worrying about their lives; they can try to stay calm to avoid the blood veins to pop out.

High blood pressure can cause severe damage to the arteries and blood vessels, and therefore needs medical attention. Regular blood pressure readings can help in an early detection. If the condition is not treated on time, it can lead to a heart stroke or an attack too.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious medical condition which occurs when your blood pressure rises to unhealthy levels. The blood pressure is a measurement of how quickly the blood passes through your veins. It also accounts for the amount of resistance that the blood experiences while pumping. High blood pressure can be a result of narrow arteries.

(Image Courtesy: American Heart Association)

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension can be divided into primary and secondary. Both have different reasons for occurrence:

• Primary Hypertension

Primary hypertension or essential hypertension cultivates over time with no recognizable cause. A gradual increase in blood pressure does not have any specific reasons. Although there could be some factors that can lead to such a condition:

#1. Genes: Hypertension could be genetic. One can inherit a high blood pressure condition from their parents.

#2. Environment: Unhealthy lifestyle like excessive consumption of junk food or lack of exercise can cause weight issues. Overweight and obesity are major reasons for high blood pressure.

(Image Courtesy: Readers Digest)

• Secondary Hypertension

This one occurs suddenly and causes a rise in blood pressure. The doctors have traced few causes of secondary Hypertension. They include:

#1. Medications: Medications like birth control pills or decongestants can affect your blood pressure.

#2. Alcohol Intake: Consumption of unnecessary alcohol and drug abuse also has dangerous effects on your blood pressure.

#3. Thyroid: A person suffering from thyroid too can have high blood pressure.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hypertension?

Hypertension usually does not have many prominent symptoms. It takes a considerable amount of years for the symptoms to come out clear and be visible to the patient. These symptoms include:

• Regular headache

• Breathing problems

• Nose Bleeding

• Dizziness

• Reoccurring pain in the chest

• Blood stained urine

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These are not the sure shot symptoms, but the most common ones. People who are in their 40’s or past it are more likely to have a high blood pressure condition. Do not wait for these symptoms to tell you that your body needs attention, better get your blood pressure checked regularly. Blood pressure normally should be checked in both arms to mark any differences.

Food items that can help in lowering your High Blood Pressure are:

- Low-fat dairy products

- Cherry Juice 

- Chocolates

- Flaxseeds

- Olive Oil

(Image Courtesy: The Telegraph)

Do you get your blood pressure readings done regularly? Let us know in the comment section below.

(Featured Image Courtesy: Harvard University)