What Causes High Blood Pressure and How to Manage It
This article discusses the causes of high blood pressure and methods for controlling it.
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High blood pressure puts stress on every part of your circulatory system. As blood pressures rise, weak arteries can develop bulges and even burst. However, a more likely scenario would be that your eyes, heart, kidneys, and other internal organs would slowly be damaged by the stress of the high blood pressure. Blindness, heart disease, and kidney failure are among the list of problems that can come from an extended period of high blood pressure.
Who is at risk?
Generally, everyone is at risk to develop high blood pressure. Some have a greater likelihood than others. Eating a diet with too much sodium (table salt) can raise blood pressure. Carrying too many extra pounds will cause it to rise. Insufficient exercise will tend to elevate a person’s blood pressure. Stress is another area of concern. Genetics plays a role in blood pressure. The general lifestyle that is lived will either work for against high blood pressure. Many other factors can figure into the equation.
Learn to eat healthier.
Healthy eating is a great start toward lowering blood pressure or the risk of high blood pressure. Following the American Heart Association’s recommendations for a heart healthy diet is a great way to start. Eating less in order to reduce your body weight and mass is another excellent consideration when it comes to dietary changes. Lower salt or sodium intake.
Live healthier.
Get rid of the smoking, excessive drinking, long days, and short nights. All of these add stress and raise up your blood pressure levels. Learn to relax more and relax more often. Take up a hobby. Even getting a pet has shown some success in lowering blood pressure. Exercise regularly. This should include an aerobic workout of about 20 minutes 3 times per week. More exercise is better.
Consider using blood pressure lowering medicine.
There are several options available when it comes to medicines that reduce blood pressure. Since all of them are prescription medications, you will need to consult a doctor for advice on which one is best for you. You may need something with a diuretic or water pill effect to boost the work of the primary medicine. Have your cholesterol checked at the same time because lower cholesterol can work in favor of lower blood pressure if it is needed. There are some minerals and other substances that are reported to lower blood pressure. Check with your doctor to make sure that these will work for you before taking them.
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