Hypertension is a medical condition where blood pressure is high, forcing strongly against the blood vessel walls. This would increase the workload of the heart – causing it to work harder than it should. Hypertension could cause the blood vessels to explode which is fatal or other problems to the coronary arteries, eyes, kidneys and brain which is equally damaging.
There are two types of hypertension – primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is closely related to the patient’s lifestyle while secondary hypertension is caused by other medical conditions – kidney and liver failure are known to be causes of secondary hypertension.
Symptoms or Signs of Hypertension
These symptoms are not mandatory in condition of hypertension, but if you suspect or find it unsettling, do take a blood pressure test at your local medical center.
1. Chest pains – A heavy crushing pain in the chest; in layman’s term it feels like someone is standing on your chest.
2. Nosebleed
3. Urinal bleed – blood in urine.
4. Tiredness and regularly experience confusion
5. Changes or blurring of vision
Causes of Primary Hypertension and Prevention
Lack of physical activity: Most of the causes for primary hypertension are caused by the lifestyle factor. The lack of physical activity could, first of all, increase cholesterol levels. Rising cholesterol levels narrows the blood vessel, thus increasing the pressure of blood flow – hypertension.
Prevention can then be done maintaining a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity (jogging or walking) could reduce cholesterol induced hypertension. Taking precautions against diabetes could also help because diabetes are normally related to hypertension.
Tobacco products: It is uncertain whether it is the tobacco, or nicotine in tobacco products that are the exact cause of hypertension. But the facts are smokers are at higher risk of suffering from hypertension. This may be explained by the fact that nicotine increases blood pressure temporarily but there are arguments that nicotine patches do not increase blood pressure. No matter the case, anyone can prevent hypertension by staying away from tobacco products especially cigarettes and users – smokers.
Alcohol: The factual statistics shows that between 30% – 60% of alcoholics suffer from hypertension. Although there are no medically or scientifically proven tests that results in the conclusion that alcohol is a cause of hypertension, do use your common sense by judging the statistics and stay away from alcohols because it increases your risk of suffering hypertension.
Sodium: Excessive intake of salt or salty foods could lead to hypertension as sodium tends to increase the blood pressure. Notice that the term ‘tends to’ is applied. This is because only those who are sensitive or responsive to sodium would have their blood pressure react to excessive sodium intake. However, to play it safe, it is advisable to cut down on food intakes that contain high levels of salt such as salty snacks, pickled foods, processed foods, etc.
Stress: Blood pressure levels increase as stress increases. The only prevention for stress induced hypertension is to calm down and do not response to hectic circumstances. Take things less seriously or light, you health is far more important and therefore whatever that causes stress is just not worth your time or attention.
