What is high blood pressure?
Your blood pressure consists of two numbers:The first number measures the force as your heart beats. This is called systolic pressure. Show
The second number measures the force as your heart relaxes. This is called diastolic pressure. Someone with a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80 has a blood pressure of 120/80, or “120 over 80.” An ideal blood pressure for an adult is less than 120/80. You have high blood pressure if your top number is 130 or higher, or your bottom number is 80 or higher, or both. What are the main causes of high blood pressure?In most cases, doctors can’t point to the exact cause of high blood pressure. However, several things are known to raise blood pressure, including:
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?High blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other problems. High blood pressure is called a “silent killer,” because it doesn’t usually cause symptoms while it’s causing this damage. Most people don’t know they have it until they go to the doctor for some other reason. Very high blood pressure can cause some symptoms, such as headaches, dizzy spells, or more nosebleeds than normal. But these signs don’t usually occur until it reaches a severe stage. By the time these signs appear, high blood pressure may be life-threatening. Because there are usually no symptoms, it’s important to have your blood pressure measured regularly. How is high blood pressure treated?Changing your lifestyle can help ease high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, be sure to talk with your doctor about taking these steps:
Many people need the help of medicines. Sometimes, lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to control high blood pressure. Your doctor may also prescribe medicine to keep it at a safer level. There are many types of medicines available that work in different ways to lower blood pressure. Some relax blood vessels to make it easier for the blood to flow through. Some help your body get rid of excess salt and water. This reduces the volume of blood to help lower blood pressure. Other medicines cause your heart to beat more slowly. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of medicines. Often, two or more together work better than just one. More InformationFor more about high blood pressure, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. What is the main cause of high blood pressure?What causes high blood pressure? High blood pressure usually develops over time. It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and having obesity, can also increase the risk for developing high blood pressure.
What are 5 factors that can lead to high blood pressure?Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Being overweight or obese. The more you weigh the more blood flow you need to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. ... . Too much salt (sodium) in your diet. ... . Too little potassium in your diet. ... . Not being physically active. ... . Drinking too much alcohol.. |