High Blood Pressure: What You Need To Know

By John Faletti

A very common, but potentially very serious condition is known as high blood pressure. Also going by the term "hypertension", it is the most common form of cardiovascular disease today. If you or someone you know suffers from this condition, you should familiarize yourself with some basics. Educate yourself with information and possible treatments for the disease.

Hypertension is typically defined as the elevated pressure present on the artery walls of the blood stream. This pressure, if it is higher than normal, is potentially a serious medical issue. As a leading problem concerning stroke and heart disease, it is the most common form of cardiovascular disease in the world. Most heart attacks and strokes are a direct result of high blood pressure.

There are two main categories under which sufferers of hypertension fall under. The first is called "primary hypertension". This is the appearance of elevated blood pressure without a serious medical reason causing it. Most people, as much as 95%, fall under this category. "Secondary hypertension" is a more serious issue, as the hypertension is caused by potentially serious issues with the kidneys, heart, or endocrine system.

Adjusting your lifestyle is especially important for people who are at a higher risk than others. The majority of risk is genetic in nature. This means that people with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, and obviously hypertension, are considered high risk and should take special care. Other significant factors are obesity, alcohol and tobacco use, and a poor diet high in sodium and saturated fat.

Luckily, there are many ways to deal with this if it is a persistent problem. Begin by making a sensible diet and regular exercise a normal part of your life. Foods that are high in saturated fat should be avoided, as should food with high amounts of sodium or salt. Replace these with green, leafy vegetables and fruits. Exercise regularly, ideally taking part in several cardiovascular workouts a week.

If you are at risk, and you drink alcohol or smoke tobacco often, it might be a good idea to stop. Both have direct effects in raising the blood pressure. They have damaging effects on the walls of the arteries and put your life at risk. These habits are bad in dealing with hypertension, often making treatment more difficult.

Daily stress is also a serious issue. Although you cannot eliminate all stress from your day-to-day life, you can take important steps in reducing it when you feel it coming. Remove yourself from stressful situations when you can, breathing deeply and slowly and trying to keep thoughts positive. Where you can, identify your sources of stress and remove them from your life. Learn to manage your time and consider setting realistic goals for the day.

Hypertension is a very common issue for many people, but it is important that you do not blow it off as trivial. Begin taking the necessary steps to lower the blood pressure and prolong your life. Change your diet and exercise regularly. Approach your daily stress and speak with a doctor to put yourself on a road to recovery.

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