Blood Pressure Causes
Causes of High Blood Pressure
The exact causes of high blood pressure are something of a mystery. But high blood pressure, or
hypertension, usually occurs when artery walls thicken and blood has less room to circulate through them. As a
result, the heart has to work harder to push blood through those arteries.
High cholesterol levels in the blood, which often result from eating certain foods, are a
major cause of blood pressure problems. Certain types of fatty substances in cholesterol stick to the artery
walls. As the walls grow more narrow, the heart has to work harder to push blood through them. As a result, the
pressure against the walls of the arteries increases.
The Most Common Causes of High Blood Pressure
Family history seems to play a role in determining who gets high blood pressure. But
hypertension also often results from lifestyle choices.
Poor diet and nutrition Certain foods are likely to cause a higher blood pressure level.
Fatty foods that contain a lot of low density lipoproteins (also known as LDL or "bad" cholesterol) are a major
contributor to hypertension. LDL cholesterol collects along artery walls and can even block arteries to the point where
effective blood circulation is compromised. Foods that come from animal sources are generally higher in
cholesterol than vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains. See blood pressure foods.
Obesity and lack of exercise These tend to go hand-in-hand. Someone who exercises
regularly will force more rapid blood circulation, which not only strengthens the heart but helps flush fatty
substances from the arteries. An obese person will have more fat circulating in their blood, and therefore, more
fatty substances are likely to clog up the circulatory system, causing high blood pressure.
Alcohol Use Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol will almost certainly contribute to
hypertension. Most alcoholic beverages also contain a lot of calories, which can put on extra pounds.
Other Causes
Kidney problems or kidney disease can also trigger high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure tends to
damage blood vessels throughout the circulatory system. When such damage occurs in the kidneys, they may stop
functioning properly. Waste, toxins and fluids build up because they aren't removed from the body. This causes
blood pressure to go up.
Often, high blood pressure can be managed by controlling the causes. But if lifestyle changes don't work,
blood pressure medications are widely available by prescription.
Low Blood Pressure?
Most people believe that the lower their blood pressure, the better. This is only partially true.
Abnormally low blood pressure, or hypotension, is also a threat to health because the heart isn't pushing
enough blood through the body. As a result, the organs and tissues don't enough of the oxygen and nutrients they
need. Organ damage or failure can occur.
Low blood pressure can be caused by
- Certain nerve or endocrine disorders
- Prolonged bed rest
- Decreases in blood volume due to severe bleeding (hemorrhage) or dehydration.
Fainting and frequent lightheadedness are the most common symptoms of
low blood pressure. In the worst cases, shock may occur.
If you have unusually low blood pressure or hypotension (usually defined as 90/60 or less), it's best to talk to
a doctor as soon as possible. Low blood pressure can be life-threatening because persistently low blood pressure
causes organs such as the kidney, liver, heart, lungs, and brain to fail rapidly.
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