High blood pressure
High Blood Pressure (also known as Hypertension) is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.
Causes[edit | edit source]
High blood pressure is typically a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, but can also be influenced by factors such as age and genetics. Some of the most common causes include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Lack of physical activity
- Too much salt in the diet
- Too much alcohol consumption
- Stress
- Older age
- Genetics
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Adrenal and thyroid disorders
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
In most cases, high blood pressure does not cause symptoms. However, some people may experience:
These symptoms usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
High blood pressure is diagnosed using a device called a sphygmomanometer, which measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. A reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher is considered high blood pressure.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for high blood pressure includes lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes can include:
- Eating a healthier diet
- Reducing salt in the diet
- Exercising regularly
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
Medications used to treat high blood pressure include:
- Diuretics
- Beta blockers
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- [[Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)]
- Calcium channel blockers
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Prevention of high blood pressure can be achieved through lifestyle changes such as:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet
- Reducing sodium intake
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Managing stress
See Also[edit | edit source]
High blood pressure Resources | ||
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