The Causes of High Blood Pressure explained

The Causes of High Blood Pressure explained. Simply put Blood Pressure is the amount of force that the blood exerts on the of the vessels in the body. Its values fluctuate throughout the day based on several factors. When your blood pressure stays elevated for a period of time, you are deemed to be suffering from hypertension. Hypertension is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to hardening of the arteries and other blood vessels (atherosclerosis).

It also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can result in other conditions such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness. A blood pressure level of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered hypertension. About 66% of people over the age of 65 suffer from hypertension. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg, then you suffer from pre-hypertension.

Pre-hypertension

Means that you don't suffer from hypertension yet but you are likely to develop hypertension in the future unless you adopt the healthy lifestyle changes described on this site. The exact causes of hypertension are not known but several factors and conditions may play a role in its development.

Age (Men: Over 55; Women: Over 65)
Abnormal Cholesterol Levels
Family History of Early Heart Disease
Family history of Hypertension
Tobacco Use or Smoking
Diabetes
Being Overweight or Obese
Lack of Physical Activity
Too much salt in the diet
Excessive Alcohol consumption (More Than 1 to 2 Drinks per Day)
Stress
Genetics
Chronic Kidney Disease
Adrenal and Thyroid Disorders
and many more

Hypertension Symptoms

Are you suffering from Hypertension? Hypertension is a serious condition that can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and many more health problems.

High blood pressure Symptoms are not as notable as Low blood pressure Symptoms and hypertension is commonly referred to as the silent killer. Due to this you can suffer from hypertension Symptoms for years before realising that you have the condition. During this time hypertension can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, vessels and other organs in the body.

Hypertension Symptoms and Signs may include:

Headache
Epistaxis (Nose Bleed)
Breathlessness
Ringing in Ears (Tinnitus)
Insomnia (Sleepiness)
Feeling Weak
Feeling Sleepy
Confusion
Fatigue
Profuse Sweating
Vomiting
Loss of Libido
Blurred Vision

Though these High Blood Pressure Symptoms may appear in some patients, most patients experience no High Blood Pressure Symptoms. Below is a Hypertension Table.

Normal: 90-120mmHg/60-80mmHg
Pre-Hypertension: 120-140mmHg/80-90mmHg
Hypertension Stage 1: 140-160mmHg/90-100mmHg
Hypertension Stage 2: 160-180mmHg/100-120mmHg
Hypertension Crisis: >180mmHg/>120mmHg

Although many people do have some of the Hypertension Symptoms mentioned above many do not have High Blood Pressure Symptoms at all so it is recommended that you know your blood pressure at all times. Whether you test it at home or go for a monthly test at your local physician.

Although many people do have some of the High Blood Pressure Symptoms mentioned above many do not have High Blood Pressure Symptoms at all so it is recommended that you know your blood pressure at all times. Whether you test it at home or go for a monthly test at your local physician.
For more information on High Blood Pressure Symptoms and How to Lower Blood Pressure visit http://www.normalbloodpressure.co.za

Our website is there to provide you with all the information you need on blood pressure.