Hypertension or what is more commonly referred to as high blood pressure is a medical condition where elevated blood pressure levels are sustained. Studies have shown that there is an easy and enjoyable fix to this medical condition. Hypertension is classified into two groups: essential and secondary. Here’s a run-down on the two groups and how you can lower or even stop high blood pressure.
Essential Hypertension
Essential hypertension means that there is no other medical cause that can explain the high blood pressure. This makes up about 90 percent of all hypertension cases. The most common way to get high blood pressure without a pre-existing medical condition is by having a high sodium intake. Increasing the amount of salt in the bloodstream causes the blood vessels to release water in order to equalize the ratio of salt and water in the blood. This increases the pressure that is placed on the blood vessel walls, causing essential hypertension.
In addition to salt intake, essential hypertension can also be caused by genetics and age. 30 percent of high blood pressure cases are genetic. Studies on genetic hypertension have associated 50 genes with the disease. Age can also increase one’s chances of having high blood pressure. Time causes blood vessels to become more constricted so that the blood cells cannot flow through them as easily. This causes blood pressure to rise.
Secondary Hypertension
Secondary hypertension is relatively uncommon, only causing 5-10 percent of high blood pressure cases. It can be caused by kidney disease or certain tumors.
Both essential and secondary hypertension can lead to serious health problems. It been linked to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, and kidney failure.
Lower Your Blood Pressure
One of the best ways to lower the risk of hypertension is to walk. Recent research studied 28 men, half of which were in their 60’s and the others were in their 20’s. The blood vessels of the older men tended to be more constricted than those of the younger men. This increased their risk of hypertension. The study then had 8 of the men begin to walk five hours each week. After only three months, their blood vessels were working just as efficiently as the younger mens’ blood vessels. Simply walking for 30 minutes a day can greatly lower your risk of high blood pressure.
Making Walking Fun
Walking 30 minutes a day may seem like it could become monotonous quickly. So do things to keep it interesting and entertaining. Find a walking buddy or even better find two. This will give you someone to talk to while you walk. Instead of meeting your friends for catch-up lunch, meet them for a catch-up walk. If your friends aren’t up for a walk, bring an iPod and take the 30 minutes to listen to your favorite music.
You can also walk in different places. Try walking along a beach or another scenic route. If you want to walk a track, try going to a school at the end of day and watch the students practice sports or maybe there will be a game to watch while you walk.
In bad weather, walk on a treadmill, but put your treadmill in front of your television so you can walk during your favorite T.V. program. This will definitely make the time go by fast. You may even start walking for a longer period of time.
Regardless of how you prefer to walk, be sure to get your 30 minutes of walking in each day and walk your way to better health!
