Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems. While the exact cause of hypertension is often unknown, there are several contributing factors and lifestyle changes that can help manage it.
What makes high blood pressure even more dangerous is that it forces the heart to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. Like all types of muscles, this causes the lower left heart chamber, called the left ventricle, to thicken and enlarge. A thickened and enlarged left ventricle raises the risk of heart attack and heart failure because it can no longer accommodate much blood.
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What are the main causes of High Blood Pressure (hypertension)?
There are two main types of hypertension: primary and secondary.
Primary hypertension, which accounts for about 90% of cases, usually develops over time due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
An underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease or thyroid problems causes secondary hypertension.
What are some early signs of High Blood Pressure (hypertension)?
Hypertension often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, so it’s important to get regular blood pressure checks. However, some people may experience headaches, nosebleeds, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping.
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How can you reduce hypertension?
Lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of managing hypertension. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and limit processed foods, saturated and trans fats, and salt.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount can significantly improve blood pressure.
- Exercising regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Reducing stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can be helpful.
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine: Excessive alcohol and caffeine intake can raise blood pressure.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
How is hypertension treated?
Your doctor will advise that you make certain lifestyle changes. However, If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to control blood pressure, medication may be necessary.
There are different types of blood pressure medications, and your doctor will work with you to find the best one for you.
It’s important to remember that hypertension is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. By making healthy lifestyle changes and working with your doctor, you can control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of serious health complications.
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