Hypertension

Hypertension

Hypertension (High blood pressure)

Elevated blood pressure is a relatively common condition in which the pressure exerted on the blood vessels is raised and can lead to health issues. The main problem with hypertension is that one can have it with no symptoms for many years. Fortunately, it can be easily and non-intrusively detected, so one can be preventative in managing/controlling it.

There are many risk factors attributed to hypertension. Some are hereditary and out of our control but most of them are lifestyle related and if you have been diagnosed with hypertension, lifestyle modification can correct the condition. Factors resulting in elevated blood pressure are the following:

• Age: As one gets older, the risk of high blood pressure increases.
• Race: Caucasians tend to have a lower incidence of blood pressure in their younger years.
• Family history
• Being overweight
• Not being physically active.
• Smoking
• Having too much salt in one’s diet.
• Having too little potassium or Vitamin D in one’s diet.
• Consumption of alcohol in excessive levels.
• Stress
• Certain chronic conditions such as sleep apnea or kidney conditions can affect one’s blood pressure.

Treatment of hypertension can be achieved through drug intervention (if severe enough or if hereditary factors play a role) as well as primarily by lifestyle modifications. This is simply achieved by addressing the lifestyle factors mentioned above. This will play a significant role in reducing the risk of potential health complications i.e. heart disease, stroke, etc.