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Hypertension and High Blood PressureHypertension is today’s major health problem around the world. It is an important risk factor for stroke, heart failure, chronic renal disease and coronary artery disease and is estimated to cause 4.5% of the current global disease burden. High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. The arteries are the vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all of the tissues and organs of the body. What causes hypertension you might ask?...It does not mean having excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase the blood pressure.
An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart (cardiac) disease, kidney (renal) disease, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), eye damage, and stroke (brain damage). These complications are often referred to as end-organ damage because damage to these organs is the end result of chronic (long duration) high blood pressure. Accordingly, the diagnosis of high blood pressure in an individual is important so that efforts can be made to normalize the blood pressure and, thereby, prevent the complications. 
More commonly known as high blood pressure, it means your body is working harder than usual to pump blood to your heart. Because of the greater strain or workload, the heart eventually overworks itself to the point where there is damage to itself. So what causes hypertension? It can be brought on by a number of factors, from genetics to excessive weight to heavy salt intake. Treatment can be sought to bring the pressure down to normal levels. If left untreated, it can lead to a host of other ailments, such as heart failure, kidney failure, vision problems and stroke. There are no obvious symptoms of high blood pressure but generally any of these may be experienced: tiredness, confusion, vision changes, chest pain, blood in urine, nosebleed, irregular heartbeat and buzzing in the ears. What is blood pressure?Your blood pressure is a measurement of the pressure or force inside your arteries with each heartbeat. - Untreated high blood pressure can lead to disease of the heart, blood vessels and kidney.
What causes hypertension (high blood pressure) and how to stop it?1. Smoking: Each time you smoke a cigarette, blood pressure rises. Cigarette smoking is a very strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Quit smoking tips:
Some people quit by themselves. Others need a group or class. Your doctor can give you a list of smoking cessation programs in your area. There are also medications and other smoking cessation aids that may help you quit smoking. Please discuss these options with your doctor. 2. Achieve and maintain your ideal body weight Weight loss tips:
A registered dietitian can help you take a look at your current eating habits and plan strategies to help you lose weight. 3. Limit alcohol intake One drink equals: - 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liquor (example: whiskey, vodka, or gin) OR 4. Follow a regular exercise program
Exercise must be: - Regular: three to five times per week for 30 - 45 minutes Sodium should be limited to no more than 2,400 milligrams of sodium per day, with a goal of further lowering it to 1,500 milligrams per day (or less according to your specific management guidelines). Sodium is found in table salt and many of the foods we eat, most commonly, preserved foods, canned foods, luncheon meats, cheeses and snacks. Tips to limit sodium:
6. Include foods rich in potassium in your diet Foods that contain potassium include: If you take a "diuretic" (water pill) to control your blood pressure, it is important to have your doctor check your potassium level during your regular check-ups. You may need to take a potassium supplement to keep your blood potassium within the normal range. Some medical conditions (such as kidney disease) may require you to LIMIT the amount of potassium in your diet. Talk with your doctor about including potassium-rich foods in your diet and discuss with him/her about what causes hypertension and how you might keep it under control. 8. Control stress and anger Tips to control stress and anger:
9. Take medications to control high blood pressure, as prescribed Tips to treat high blood pressure with medications
10. Follow-up with your health care team Once your high blood pressure is diagnosed, your doctor may want to see you often until it is under control (every one to four weeks). He or she may want you to monitor your blood pressure at home and keep a record of your blood pressure at different times of the day. Once your blood pressure is in control, regular follow up visits are still required to ensure control and minimize side effects. Your doctor will tell you how often to schedule. On your part, do some reading up on topics like “What Causes Hypertension” and follow the advice given closely. Remember.... It is up to you to take control and keep Hypertension under wraps!I need some Hypertension Supplies Show me some ebooks on high blood pressure Return to home page of get-discount-medical-supplies.com
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High blood pressure is generally defined as a level exceeding 140/90 mm Hg that has been confirmed on multiple occasions. The systolic blood pressure, which is the top number, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the circulation. The diastolic pressure, which is the bottom number, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure, therefore, reflects the minimum pressure to which the arteries are exposed.
