What You Need to Know About High Blood Pressure by Mansi Aggarwal

As I investigate the various diseases or problems that afflict most Americans, I find that high blood pressure is quite common and has deteriorated the healthy lives of many. It is not just the senior citizens but even middle-aged men and women who are troubled by it. There are several origins to this problem and as life is spontaneously picking up pace, people are neglecting their health and fitness more and more.

What is Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It is basically the resistance to the flow of blood by the arteries. The heart pumps the blood with a certain force, which is termed systolic blood pressure. The force against the arterial walls when the heart relaxes is known as diastolic blood pressure. The systolic (the natural force with which the blood is pumped by heart) and the diastolic (the arterial resistance or the force needed against arterial walls) are the two parameters to detect the blood pressure.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

In many cases hypertension is genetic. The children of parents who suffer from acute high blood pressure can develop the same problem sooner or later.

An imbalanced diet largely provokes blood pressure, whether it is a diet rich in salty foods or excess fluids. At times, the kidneys are not able to pass the extra liquid and sodium through the urine. The liquid and sodium thus accumulated raises blood volume and blood pressure.

High cholesterol level causes thickening of the artery walls. This makes the flow of blood more troublesome and leads to high blood pressure.

Malfunctioning of the kidney or adrenal gland can raise blood pressure.

Stress is a big factor behind hypertension. It's also threatening for high blood pressure patients. It boosts the heart rate and narrows the blood vessels that supply blood to all parts of the body.

Addiction to alcohol, smoke, and other narcotics paves the way for high blood pressure.

Tobacco contains nicotine that constricts the arteries, along with accelerating the heartbeat and blood pressure.

Life is not easy for those who suffer from high blood pressure. Hypertension patients are more prone to paralytic attacks, brain hemorrhage, nervousness and heart failure.

What can Prevent These Hazards?

Medicines are available to reduce the blood pressure to normal levels. These drugs are prescribed by doctors and should be taken regularly. Not taking them might get you in trouble, so you should not be careless.

A diet rich in essential nutrients, for instance, minerals like calcium and potassium, can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

Avoid fatty food and addictives. Excess alcohol, smoke and tobacco are too fatal to be ignored.

Go for regular check-ups. If you cannot go to the clinic regularly, get a sphygmomanometer (instrument to check blood pressure) to use at home and measure your blood pressure regularly.

Avoid high altitudes and activities like trekking.

Don’t let stress rule your mind and body.

If you are a hypertension patient, in case of problems such as excess urination or feelings of unease, consult your doctor before taking any medicine or changing your daily dosage.

Managing blood pressure can be easy if you start appreciating your health and become more judicious and consistent in taking care of it.

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Mansi Aggarwal writes about high blood pressure. Learn more at http://www.stophighbloodpressure.com.