High Blood Pressure: Causes,Effects and Symptoms ~ Health Care ...

High blood pressure is caused by genetic factors as well as certain behaviors like physical inactivity or uncontrolled stress. One in three Americans has hypertension, making it the one of the most common conditions in America, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Hypertension can be controlled, but if left untreated, it may eventually lead to permanent disability or death.

High blood pressure is also known as "the silent killer." According to the National Institutes of Health, 30 percent of Americans with hypertension are unaware of their elevated blood pressure. Rarely, some may experience a headache, but most people have no symptoms. Overtime, uncontrolled blood pressure can damage the heart, kidneys and circulatory system, increasing the risk of heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, aneurysms and permanent eye damage.

There are a number of factors that can increase a person's risk for developing high blood pressure. Family history and advanced age increases risk. Men over age 45 and woman over age 55 are more susceptible to rises in blood pressure. In fact, half of Americans over age 60 have high blood pressure, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. African Americans are also at increased risk compared to Caucasians and Hispanics. Kidney disease, sleep apnea and certain thyroid conditions can increase risk as well. Those diagnosed with essential hypertension have high blood pressure but the cause is unknown.

There are a number of personal behaviors that can contribute to hypertension. High sodium intake can increase blood pressure as does smoking, excessive alcohol intake, being overweight, low physical activity and chronic uncontrolled stress. Certain cold and asthma medications can also cause a rise blood pressure. Modifying these risk factors can either reverse or significantly improve blood pressure.

A preferred blood pressure reading is at or below 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is determined when either the top number, or systolic pressure, exceeds 140, and/or the bottom number, or diastolic pressure, exceeds 90. A number of variables can contribute to a high blood pressure reading. It is important to rest for five minutes prior to the blood pressure check and to have the reading taken with an empty bladder. A full bladder can actually increase blood pressure. Avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine for 30 minutes prior to the check. And for some, white coat syndrome can cause an increase in blood pressure. Those who experience white coat syndrome, or an elevated blood pressure in the presence of doctors and nurses, may benefit from home monitoring. After a few weeks of daily blood pressure checks, these values are then reported to the health care team.

As blood pressure creeps up, certain lifestyle modifications may be recommended to treat this condition called pre-hypertension. True hypertension often requires one or more medications in addition to lifestyle interventions. It is important to self-monitor blood pressure to ensure the right treatment regimen is prescribed. According to the National Institutes of Health, proper treatment can reduce the risk of stroke by 35 to 40 percent and reduce the risk of heart attack by 20 to 25 percent.

Source: http://planehealth.blogspot.com/2013/02/high-blood-pressure-causeseffects-and.html

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