The Facts About Hypertension

Hypertension is a medical condition in which the person’s blood pressure is chronically elevated.  There are two classifications of hypertension, primary (essential) or secondary.  Essential hypertension indicates that there is no definite medical cause to explain the patient’s condition.  Secondary hypertension indicates that the high blood pressure is a result of another serious condition, such as kidney disease, and if the condition persists, it may cause strokes, heart failure, heart attacks and even chronic renal failure. A person with chronic hypertension can expect to live no more than a few years unless they are treated and can return their blood pressure to it’s normal range.  Even moderate elevation of your blood pressure can lead to a shortened life expectancy.  Hypertension is a serious medical condition that needs long term monitoring and control. 

There are several factors that will increase your chances of contracting hypertension.  These factors may include obesity; the risk of hypertension is 5 times higher in those who are obese compared to those who maintain a normal weight.  More than half of all cases of hypertension are because of excess weight.  Another factor is sensitivity to salt.  When the amount of salt in a person’s bloodstream increases, it causes the cells to release water to equalize the concentration of salt between the cells and the bloodstream; this increases the pressure on the blood vessel walls.  Sodium sensitivity is responsible for almost half of those who have hypertension. 

Research has also suggested that insulin resistance and sleep apnea may be causes of hypertension.  Genetics and age also play a role in your chances of contracting hypertension, and the best way to reduce your chances of it is to track your blood pressure with the help of your doctor.  Approximately 10 % of women develop high blood pressure during pregnancy.  Usually there is no great risk, but tracking your blood pressure with your doctor is important.

The American Heart Association said that in up to 90 percent of high blood pressure cases, no real specific cause could be found.  To those whom this applied meant that their high blood pressure was probably the result of an endocrine effect, which if corrected could bring their blood pressure back to normal ranges.  Kidney disease and diseases of the renal arteries that supply the kidney are the most common conditions that affect blood pressure. 

A person is considered to have hypertension when their systolic blood pressure is consistently measuring 140 mmHg, or greater, and their diastolic blood pressure is consistently 90 mmHg or greater.  You will need the help of a healthcare professional to help you monitor your blood pressure on a daily basis.  A wristech blood pressure monitor is one option available for at home monitoring. 

There are several treatments that one can naturally incorporate into their daily routines.  One is starting an exercise routine, relaxation and meditation has been shown to reduce stress, and high blood pressure.  Dietary changes such as reducing your salt intake, reduce sugar intake, adding fruits and vegetables, garlic, and fat free dairy foods to your diet have all been shown to reduce high blood pressure.  Discontinuing the use of tobacco and alcohol has been proven to lower blood pressure.  Your doctor can help you decide which course of action for tracking and lowering your blood pressure is right for you.

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