Blood Pressure

What is “High Blood Pressure” is a question we get a lot. “Blood Pressure” is a word we hear very often, but do we really understand what it means.

Blood pressure is the pressure of circulating the blood on the walls of blood vessels.  Most of the pressure is due to work done by the heart by pumping blood through the circulatory system.

 

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, is defined as blood pressure above 140/90and is considered severe if the pressure is above 180/120.

You may not feel that anything is wrong, but high blood pressure could be quietly causing damage that can threaten your health.

 

Risk Factors

  • Age
  • Race
  • A diet high in salt (sodium) and fat
  • Too little Potassium in your diet
  • Family medical history
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Tobacco use or drinking too much alcohol
  • Stress

 

Primary High Blood pressure – For most adults there’s no identifiable cause of high blood pressure.  This type of high blood pressure called Essential or Primary Hypertension pressure; tends to develop gradually over many years.

 

Secondary High Blood Pressure – Some people have high blood pressure caused by and underlying condition, this is called Secondary Hypertension.

Secondary hypertension tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension.  Various medical conditions can lead to Secondary Hypertension, including:

  • Kidney problems
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Adrenal gland tumours
  • Thyroid problems
  • Illegal drugs
  • Some birth control medications

 

Complications:

 

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to complications including:

  • Heart attack and Stroke
  • Aneurism
  • Heart Failure
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Dementia
  • Thickened, narrowed or torn blood vessels in the eyes
  • Weakened and narrowed vessels in your kidneys

 

Treatment:

  • Eating a healthier diet with less salt
  • Exercise regularly
  • Taking prescription medication
  • Lower stress levels
  • Quitting smoking

Related Posts