Blood Pressure & Related Risk Factors

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What is Blood Pressure?

Blood is carried to all the different areas of your body through vessels and arteries. Your blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls. Your blood pressure is at the highest when your heart beats. This is your Systolic pressure. Diastolic pressure is when your heart is at rest.

High Blood Pressure--

You are considered to have high blood pressure when the systolic number (top number) stays at 140 or higher, and when the diastolic number (bottom number) stays at 90 or higher.  This makes the heart work harder, your arteries are constantly being pushed against, and the chances of you having a stroke, heart attack, or kidney problems is on the rise.

Hypertension--

When a persons blood pressure is at 140/90 they are considered to have high blood pressure. These people will also have hypertension. Hypertension leads to:

1. Cardiovascular disease
   - angina
   - heart attack
   - stroke
2. Kidney damage
3. Eye problems
4. Circulation problems in their legs, this can lead to gangrene

95% of people with high blood pressure have primary hypertension, also called essential hypertension. There is no clear cause of hypertension, however lifestyles and your family genes all effect your chances of developing hypertension.  You are more likely to develop hypertension if:

1. you are obese (extremely overweight)
2. drink excessive amounts of alcohol, all varieties
3. consume extreme amounts of salt
4. are under a lot of stress

Secondary hypertension effects 5% of people with high blood pressure. This means that the condition has a recognizable cause, it may even be a symptom of an unknown disease at this time. Secondary hypertension is caused by:

1. Kidney disease
2. Adrenal gland disease
3. Narrowing of the aorta
4. Contraceptive pills (almost never, but a few cases have shown up)
5. Steriods
6. Pregnancy causing pre-eclampsia

Most people do not even know that they have a condition, their are really no medical or physical signs to look for in a person with high blood pressure or hypertension. For this reason it is a good idea to have regular check-ups with your doctor, especially if you are a 65 year old male. Your doctor may also do some simple tests to see if hypertension is effecting any other parts of your body.

1. A urine analysis will show if there is too much protein in your urine, this is the first sign of kidney disease
2. A blood test will check the working condition of your kidneys
3. A chest X-Ray will reveal any enlargement of your heart
4. An electrocardiogram will look for any heart strain
5. An eye exam

Medications can help to lower your blood pressure, but they usually have some sort of side effect. Such as widening of the arteries or blood vessels, removing water and salt from your kidney, and by reducing your pulse rate. There are several ways you can change your lifestyle to lower high blood pressure that are natural and healthy:

1. Start to lose all your extra weight
2. Begin a regular exercise program
3. Cut-back on salt and alcohol
4. QUIT Smoking
5. Begin relaxation therapy or stress management

Low Blood Pressure--

Low blood pressure is an abnormal condition where the blood pressure is much lower than normal, this can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. When your blood pressure is to low your heart, brain, and all other vital organs are not getting enough blood. The "average normal" blood pressure is 90/60 to 130/80, but even the smallest change such as
20 mm Hg. can and will cause problems for some people. A person may have low blood pressure for several reasons:

1. Lack of blood, Anemia
2. Low cardiac output, not enough blood being pumped by your heart
3. Medications used in surgery, for the heart and for High blood pressure
4. Anti-anxiety or antidepressants agents
5. Diuretucs
6. Narcotics and Alcohol
7. Dehydration or fainting
8. Changes in your heart rhythm, arrhythmias

** One very common cause type of Low Blood Pressure is orthostatic hypotension. Blood pressure is usually lowered,
in persons with orthostatic; by upright posture (getting out of bed to fast), food, infection, hyperventilation, hot weather, and lifting of heavy objects. Contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. If you know you have low blood pressure eating extra amounts of salt and avoiding sudden rapid movements will improve your health.

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