High blood pressure

High Blood Pressure (also known as Hypertension) is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.

Causes

High blood pressure is typically a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, but can also be influenced by factors such as age and genetics. Some of the most common causes include:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Lack of physical activity
• Too much salt in the diet
• Too much alcohol consumption
• Stress
• Older age
• Genetics
• Family history of high blood pressure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Adrenal and thyroid disorders

Symptoms

In most cases, high blood pressure does not cause symptoms. However, some people may experience:

• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds

These symptoms usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.

Diagnosis

High blood pressure is diagnosed using a device called a sphygmomanometer, which measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. A reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher is considered high blood pressure.

Treatment

Treatment for high blood pressure includes lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes can include:

• Eating a healthier diet
• Reducing salt in the diet
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol intake

Medications used to treat high blood pressure include:

• Diuretics
• Beta blockers
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• [[Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)]
• Calcium channel blockers

Prevention

Prevention of high blood pressure can be achieved through lifestyle changes such as:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a balanced diet
• Reducing sodium intake
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Managing stress

See Also

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney disease

High blood pressure Resources
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