What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force or pressure of blood pushing against the wall of the arteries which carries blood from your heart to other parts of your body.
Usually, the blood pressure of the body rises throughout the day and persistent high blood pressure can put a strain on the walls of the arteries. This strain in the walls of the artery can lead to a variety of health problems, most of which can be life-threatening.
High blood pressure typically occurs when your blood pressure increases to an unhealthy level. Although it develops over the course of several years, it sometimes presents itself without symptoms. and this usually leads to damage in your blood vessels and organs, especially the brain, heart, kidney, and eyes.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure presents itself in people who may have experienced certain changes in their body or were born with specific genetic attributes that may cause a health condition.
It can affect people with:
– Obesity
– Type 2 diabetes
– Kidney disease
– Obstructive sleep apnea
– Lupus
– Scleroderma
– Overactive or underactive thyroid
– And some other congenital conditions
What are the Symptoms of high blood pressure?
A large percentage of people who have high blood pressure do not experience symptoms. Occasionally, people with high blood pressure may experience a pounding feeling in their head or chest, a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness, or other signs.
Symptoms of severe hypertension can include:
– Headaches
– Shortness of breath
– Nosebleeds
– Flushing
– Dizziness
– Chest pain
– Visual changes
– Blood in the urine
How can the burden of hypertension be reduced?
Reducing; salt intake, alcohol consumption, intake of foods high in saturated fats, trans fats in the diet
Eating more fruit and vegetables
Being physically active on a regular basis
Avoiding the use of tobacco
Managing mental stress and other medical conditions
Regularly checking and treating blood pressure
High blood pressure when left untreated or managed can lead to several adverse if and because of it’s sometimes asymptomatic nature, it is important to visit the Doctor for regular check up which can lead to early management.
Have you been experiencing some of the symptoms listed or would like to speak with a Physician? Schedule an appointment or call us on (713) 457-3200, we are here for you.
