High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension may be defined as a rise or elevation of pressure exerted by the blood in the arteries or blood vessels that carry the blood pumped by the heart in to the tissues and organs of the body. BP readings like 120/80 or below may be considered as normal blood pressure. When the reading shoots up to 140/90 or above, it is considered as high BP. In case of BP reading, the top or upper number is referred to as systolic BP. It is actually the pressure exerted by the blood, when the heart contracts and pumps or pushes blood forward in to the arterial system.
The lower reading is referred to as diastolic blood pressure. It is actually the pressure in the arteries, when they arteries are relaxed after contraction, and the heart is refilling itself. The lower reading, in other words, refers to the minimum pressure to which the arteries can be exposed. High blood pressure for a prolonged duration may make a person fall prey to cardiac diseases, renal or kidney diseases, hardening of arteries or arteriosclerosis, eye damage, cerebral stroke or brain damage. BP is measured with the help of a portable instrument called sphypmomanometer.
Men are more affected by high BP than woman. Hypertension is often categorized in to primary or essential hypertension and secondary hypertension, among which primary hypertension is the most common. Secondary hypertension is caused due to some specific disorder of organs or blood vessels.
Causes of High BP
1. Genetic susceptibility
2. Advancing age
3. Narrowing of arteries
4. Intake of salt
5. Obesity
6. Emotional stress and anxiety
7. Caffeine and alcohol intake
8. Taking birth-control pills
9. Lack of physical activity
Symptoms of High BP
High blood pressure is often termed as silent killer, because it may show no symptoms initially. However some symptoms that may occur in case of many people are listed below.
1. Headache
2. Dizziness
3. Nose bleeding
4. Shortness of breath
5. Chest pain
6. Flushed face
7. Fatigue
8. Nausea and vomiting
9. Sleepiness
10. Restlessness
11. Confusion
12. Blurred or impaired vision
Hope this article helps you in understanding the common causes and symptoms of high blood pressure or hypertension. Medical consultation and medication is required to keep blood pressure normal. However you can try some simple natural remedies to help support the treatment. These remedies not only make your heart healthy but also improve your overall health.
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