Causes of Hypertension
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The Silent Killer
Affluent Western societies are no strangers to hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. While it is normal for blood pressure to rise with strenuous activity or a stressful event, sustained high levels are a problem, putting the person at risk for other medical conditions such as heart attack and stroke, cardiovascular and kidney disease. The problem is, many people have high blood pressure and are unaware of it as it does not necessarily display any symptoms. Thus it’s label – the Silent Killer.
Blood Pressure Measurement – What Is Hypertension or High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the force of the blood pressing on the artery walls. Two measures are taken: systolic pressure is the force exerted on the walls when the heart contracts, while the diastolic reading gives the pressure when the heart relaxes. High blood pressure means that the force exerted on the walls of the arteries is higher than it should be.
Types and Causes of Hypertension
Hypertension can be divided into two categories. First and most common is primary (or also called essential) hypertension. In this case, the cause can usually not be identified, and the condition develops gradually over a number of years. The approach to treating primary hypertension includes both medication and lifestyle changes. The other category for hypertension is called secondary hypertension. In this case, the cause is often traced to a pre-existing medical condition such as kidney abnormalities or congenital heart defects. Therefore, with secondary hypertension, treatment may focus on treating the underlying condition.
Arteriosclerosis, also called atherosclerosis, is a major cause of hypertension disorder. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects along the walls of arteries. This fatty material thickens, hardens, and may eventually block the arteries. Lack of physical activity, poor food choices and high stress, individually or in combination, can contribute to the blocking of the arteries.
Whether or not the cause of the hypertension can be identified, it is useful to consider factors that are considered contributors that you do have control over. One factor to consider is diet. Changing a diet rich in fat and low in fiber to one that included more fresh fruits and vegetables, less meat and dairy, reduced sodium, and whole grains instead of refined flour products could prove beneficial not only for high blood pressure, but for your health in general.
As always, exercise is another factor that plays a major role in health and wellness. Besides the cardiovascular benefits, along with the muscle toning and strengthening, exercise is great for stress reduction, which is another factor identified to play a role in the hypertension condition. Effective stress-reduction management techniques on their own have been proven valuable for some in lowering their blood pressure.
Do Your Part
As stated previously, hypertension has been coined ‘The Silent Killer’, because often the condition can be present without any symptoms. Therefore while those with a family history of hypertension, those over 65 and African Americans have been identified as people being at higher risk, it’s important to protect yourself from this potentially fatal condition by having your blood pressure checked during your regular doctor visit, by using monitors provided in some pharmacies or by purchasing a home blood pressure monitor that you can use yourself. Even if the causes of hypertension may be unknown, its presence doesn’t have to be.
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