3 Causes of High Blood Pressure to Watch for
Posted by Athena Hunter on June 26th, 2011 filed in High Blood PressureHaving your blood pressure checked on a regular basis is the only way to know if you suffer from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, which has many causes and risk factors. Health experts have not found one single cause of high blood pressure but several factors can contribute to it. The following are some factors that can lead to high blood pressure.
Women who are pregnant often experience high blood pressure, and while this is usually not severe, in some cases it must be controlled with certain medications. A sudden rise in blood pressure to extreme levels during pregnancy is called preeclampsia and is very dangerous for both the mother and the baby. Women who have high blood pressure before becoming pregnant are at a greater risk for this but it can still happen in women with no history of hypertension. This is why monitoring blood pressure is so important during pregnancy.
Even experts don’t agree about the exact causes of high blood pressure, and very often the cause can’t be identified. High blood pressure with no known cause is called essential hypertension, and the majority of cases actually fit into this category.
People who have certain long term illnesses have a greater than average risk of developing high blood pressure. One such condition is kidney disease, especially in older people. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can also bring about high blood pressure, as this disease often causes damage to the kidneys. If kidney disease or diabetes run in your family, than you are at a greater risk for developing these conditions. If you have been diagnosed with either diabetes or any kind of kidney disease, your doctor should be keeping track of your blood pressure and may prescribe medication to manage it.
It’s a fact that some types of food can contribute to high blood pressure. It’s a fact that salt is a factor you’ll want to avoid by eating a low sodium diet. Junk food, sugar and unhealthy fats all have a bearing on blood pressure. You will be more likely to avoid needing medication for hypertension by changing the way you eat. While diet is only one contributing factor it’s an important one.
Your arteries and blood pressure are actually benefited by the good kind of cholesterol, which is HDL. The healthy type of fats, which are found in oils such as olive, coconut and many fish oils can help to improve your cholesterol levels, along with getting enough exercise. Unhealthy fats such as trans fats, junk food and a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to bad cholesterol in your body. If you focus on lowering your cholesterol, you will probably lower your blood pressure as well, and both are factors you have to watch for the sake of your health. These are only a few of the causes to be aware of for hypertension. If you think you might be a victim of high blood pressure consult with your doctor regularly.


























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