CAUSES
There are two types of high blood pressure.
Primary (essential) hypertension//
For most adults, there's no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure, called primary (essential) hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years.
Secondary hypertension
Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension. Various conditions and medications can lead to secondary hypertension, including:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Kidney problems
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Thyroid problems
- Certain defects in blood vessels you're born with (congenital)
- Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs
- Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
- Alcohol abuse or chronic alcohol use
SIGNS/SYMPTOM
Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels.
A few people with high blood pressure may have headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds, but these signs and symptoms aren't specific and usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.
High blood pressure (hypertension) Causes. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2017, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/basics/causes/con-20019580
For some, when the level of high blood pressure is reached they get symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, passing out, nausea, chest pain, headache, nose bleed, a racing heart and confusion.
*If any of these symptoms occur or are occurring frequently, it is very important to get medical care immediately. Ignoring the danger signs of high blood pressure is dangerous.*
Bodeeb, J. (2016, January 06). Danger Signs of Hypertension. Retrieved April 12, 2017, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/23084-danger-signs-hypertension/
video:// High Blood Pressure - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options. (2014, June 15). Retrieved April 12, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo_0Bzsh4WA
PREVENTION
By living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep blood pressure in a healthy range and lower the risk for heart disease and stroke. A healthy lifestyle includes:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2014) Preventing High Blood Pressure: Healthy Living Habits. Retrieved April 25, 2017 from https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/healthy_living.htm
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating foods low in salt (sodium) and high in potassium can lower your blood pressure.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk for high blood pressure. To determine if your weight is in a healthy range, doctors often calculate your body mass index (BMI).
- Getting enough physical activity: Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure. For adults, the Surgeon General recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or bicycling, every week. Children and adolescents should get 1 hour of physical activity every day.
- Not smoking: Cigarette smoking raises your blood pressure and puts you at higher risk for heart attack and stroke.
- Limiting alcohol use: too much alcohol can raise blood pressure.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2014) Preventing High Blood Pressure: Healthy Living Habits. Retrieved April 25, 2017 from https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/healthy_living.htm