High Blood Pressure

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the force of the blood against the artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems like heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries, the higher the blood pressure.

The good news is that high blood pressure can be easily detected. If you know you have it, you can work to control it.

SIGNS or Symptoms

Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even with dangerously high levels. Get a blood pressure reading at least every 2 years starting at age 20. Children age 3 and older will likely get a reading as a part of a yearly checkup.

Causes

There are two types of high blood pressure. Primary hypertension tends to develop gradually over many years. Secondary hypertension tends to appear suddenly and causes higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension.

Various conditions and medications can lead to secondary hypertension, including:

• Kidney problems
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Congenital defects in blood vessels
• Medications — includes over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription
• Illegal drugs

Risk factors

• Age. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you age.
• Race. Common among blacks.
• Family history
• Being overweight or obese
• Physical inactivity
• Tobacco use
• Too much sodium, potassium or Vitamin D in the diet
• Drinking too much alcohol
• High stress levels
• Chronic conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease and sleep apnea
• Pregnancy

Conditions

• Excessive pressure on artery walls can damage blood vessels and body organs
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart attack or stroke; aneurysm; heart failure; weakened and narrowed blood vessels in the kidneys; thickened, narrowed or torn blood vessels in the eyes; metabolic syndrome; trouble with memory or understanding

Lifestyle Alterations

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods. Eat more potassium-rich foods and less saturated fat and total fat.
• Decrease salt intake
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Increase physical activity
• Limit alcohol intake
• Don't smoke
• Reduce stress
• Monitor blood pressure
• Relax!

Natural Alternatives

Diet and exercise are best for lowering blood pressure. The research supports that some supplements may also decrease it. They include:

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
• Blond psyllium
• Calcium
• Cocoa
• Cod-liver oil
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Garlic

References