The Causes Of High Blood Pressure You Should Know

What is high blood pressure? 

High blood pressure is commonly known as hypertension. It is a condition that occurs when blood pressure rises to unhealthy levels. Blood pressure measures the rate at which blood flows through the blood vessels.

In this measurement, the amount of blood flowing through the vessels, and the amount of resistance the blood receives as it flows is very Paramount. However, it is vital to know that this resistance in blood flow is brought about by narrow arteries; the narrower the arteries, the higher the blood pressure.

Blood pressure value shows two (2) measurements – the systolic pressure (higher number) and the diastolic (lower number). The systolic measures the force at which the heart pumps blood through the body while the diastolic measures the resistance of the blood flow as it passes through the blood vessel.

Both the systolic and the diastolic are recorded in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Normal/ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.

Readings between 120/80 mmHg and 140/90 mmHg could mean that you are prone to developing high blood pressure if necessary steps are not taken to keep the blood pressure under control.

High blood pressure puts extra strain on blood vessels, heart and other vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and eyes.

Persistent and uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of potentially life-threatening health conditions such as heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, kidney disease, and vascular dementia, etc.

Types of high blood pressure (hypertension)

There are two types of high blood pressure which are;

1. Primary hypertension
2. Secondary hypertension

Primary hypertension

This is also called essential hypertension; it develops over time with no identifiable cause. It is still unclear what mechanisms cause blood pressure to gradually increase over time.

However, several factors may play significant roles and these factors include:

Genes

Some family linage is predisposed to hypertension genetically. This is as a result of genetic abnormalities inherited from their parents and it keeps running in the bloodline. It could also be as a result of gene mutations

Age and physical changes

Some health conditions exist as a result of some physical changes in the body. One of these conditions is hypertension – it is believed that changes in the kidney functions due to aging may upset the body’s natural balance of salts and fluid. These changes may lead to abnormally high blood pressure.

Physical activity and Food

Unhealthy lifestyles like lack of physical activity/exercise and poor diet over time, can have negative effects on the body. Lifestyle choices can lead to weight gain. Overweight and obesity can increase the risk of having hypertension.

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Secondary hypertension

This is caused by underlining health complications. Untreated and uncontrolled health challenges paves way for secondary hypertension. It happens very fast and could get very severe than primary hypertension.

However, this hypertension is easily gotten rid of when underlining health conditions causing it is taken take off.

Conditions that may cause secondary hypertension include:

• Kidney disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Congenital heart defects
• Thyroid problems
• Certain drugs and medications
• Alcohol abuse
• Stress etc.

The Causes Of High Blood Pressure You Should Know

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Raphael Okhueleigbe

Raphael Osas Okhueleigbe is a Blogger, Content creator, Agricultural Economist, Resource manager, and the founder of greener health.

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