LesTout | Articles | Be Aware of Dangers of High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is caused by narrowing or hardening of the arteries of the arms, legs and other extremities, making it harder for the blood to be pumped through the body. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of death in Canada. In the United States, as many as 50 million Americans have hypertension.

Normally, blood pressure allows blood to flow and deliver oxygen and food to the body. Blood pressure is measured with two numbers, such as 120/80, with the first number being called the systolic pressure and occurring when your heart contracts. The second, the diastolic pressure occurs when your heart relaxes and fills with blood. The higher and longer your blood pressure stays high, the more damage to your blood vessels and the more likelihood of strokes, heart attacks, and heart and kidney failure. HPT has also been related to dementia and sexual problems, which can be prevented if high blood pressure is well treated and controlled. Smaller arteries in the eyes and kidneys can also be damaged.

In many people, family history shows that it is caused by genetics and is therefore mostly unavoidable, and some people with chronic kidney disease experience high blood pressure. Mothers may be threatened through pregnancy, but happily, once the baby is born, levels usually return to normal.

But in most people with hypertension, the causes can be pinpointed. Obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive use of alcohol, and excessive use of salt all contribute to the likelihood of high blood pressure. As well, environmental stress and vessels that have lost elasticity and the presence of diabetes may contribute. The aging process can also cause narrowing of the arteries as people tend to be less active in their elderly years.

An annual physical will catch these symptoms, which can remain hidden until a routine examination discovers them. Lab tests which include a complete count of cholesterol, potassium, chloride, glucose and creatinine are also used to identify hypertension. The condition is not curable but it can be treated. Often a drug which slows down the heart is prescribed, causing the heart to beat less powerfully. Others are diuretics as a build up of fluid is causing the condition while still others cause the blood vessels to relax or allow a lowered blood flow. Combined with the drugs, lifestyle changes such as more frequent exercise can make the condition liveable.

You can help to prevent hypertension if you:

Retain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly
Reduce the intake of saturated fats and salt by making more food at home thereby using fewer prepared canned and fast food products.
Restrict alcohol and caffeine.
Stress also contributes to hypertension and other health problems, so take some time every day to relax in quiet pursuits.