High blood pressure is a commonly occurring ailment, especially after a certain age, owing to stress and tension related to our personal and professional lives. It is a condition in which there is a long-term increased force of blood against the artery walls. This can cause heart diseases and other health problems. If you make a few changes in your lifestyle, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood that your heart can pump and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. For example, if your heart pumps more blood and your arteries are narrow, you are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure.
Causes of high blood pressure
The common causes of high blood pressure are-
- Age
People who are 65 years and above are at a greater risk of hypertension. - Genetics
Your genes play a significant role in deciding what diseases your body might develop. - Excessive consumption of alcohol
People who excessively consume alcohol are at an increased risk for hypertension. - High sodium intake or too much salt in the diet
One should not consume more than 1.5 grams of salt per day. - Stress
Stress has a direct correlation with your blood pressure level. - Race
It is seen that African Americans develop high blood pressure problems more than any other ethnicity. They also develop this problem at a younger age and more complications sooner. - Gender
Men are more at risk of developing high blood pressure problems than women. - Overeating
Individuals who over eat are not only more likely to develop high blood pressure but are also more prone to experiencing cardiac issues. - A sedentary lifestyle
It has been seen that your lifestyle has a direct effect on your health. A lower level of fitness has been linked to hypertension.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
Some of the common symptoms of blood pressure are as follows:
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Issues with vision
High blood pressure usually does not have any symptoms unless it is severe. Therefore, the best way to ensure your pressure is in check is by monitoring it. If you are at risk of developing this condition, you should monitor your pressure and make the necessary changes to limit complications.
Treatment of blood pressure
If you are suffering from high blood pressure, then you should monitor your blood pressure level daily. Consuming a healthy diet low in salt and achieving your optimum bodyweight should help you manage the condition better. Some treatment options that your doctor could recommend are as follows:
- Medication
There are a variety of drugs that can be prescribed to control blood pressure levels. These medications work in different ways to control your blood pressure. - Calcium channel blocker
These drugs are used to lower blood pressure levels. They slow the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. - ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are high blood pressure drugs that either widen or dilate your blood vessels so that the amount of blood pumped into your arteries improves. - Omega-3 fish oil supplements
Fish oil supplements and dietary fish can be beneficial for people with high blood pressure and heart diseases.
Blood pressure issues are prevalent. Some people suffer from high blood pressure, whereas others suffer from low blood pressure. Both conditions need to be effectively managed for you to remain in good health. If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you are at risk of developing the condition. You should take the necessary precautions and get in touch with your doctor. Regularly monitoring your blood pressure level is recommended. Pregnant women who have high blood pressure can develop complications. Also, babies born to mothers with hypertension may have a low birth weight.
