So exactly what causes high blood pressure? Blood pressure is determined by both the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and causes higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension.
Secondary hypertension can be caused by certain factors such as illegal drug use, over the counter medications, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, thyroid and kidney problems. For most adults, there's no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure, called primary (essential) hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years.
Certain risk factors such as age, race, family history, and stress can also lead to hypertension. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you age. Through early middle age, or about age 45, high blood pressure is more common in men. Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure after age 65.
High blood pressure is particularly common among blacks, often developing at an earlier age than it does in whites. Serious complications, such as stroke, heart attack and kidney failure, also are more common in blacks. It also tends to be hereditary.
Additionally, High levels of stress can also lead to an increase in blood pressure. There are many things in life that cause us to stress. However, it is important to find ways to reduce your stress level to help maintain a healthier lifestyle and control blood pressure.
Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. This is why it is referred to as the silent killer. A few people with high blood pressure may have headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds, but these signs and symptoms aren't specific and usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage. This is why it is imperative that you check it regularly.
The good news is that high blood pressure is easily treatable. The first thing is to get regular check ups and monitor your blood pressure. This is a routine part of your doctor's visit. However, you can also check it for free at most pharmacies. Secondly, healthy eating, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are also essential.
Hypertension is a serious condition that must be monitored and taken seriously! Don't
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