Controlling High Blood Pressure

What Are The Causes Of High Blood Pressure?

The health risks posed by high blood pressure or hypertension have gotten a lot of publicity in recent years. But many people seem to know little or nothing about what causes of high blood pressure and the threat it poses to their health - especially their heart.

What are the causes of high blood pressure? Even doctors aren't sure of the exact answer to that question, but it is clear that there are a number of lifestyle factors that contribute to a high blood pressure reading.

High blood pressure and heredity have been also been linked. A family history of high blood pressure means you're at higher risk for hypertension too. 

Lack of exercise, poor diet and obesity have also been shown to be primary causes of high blood pressure.

High blood pressure and alcohol consumption These appear to be strongly connected. More than three alcoholic beverages in a short period of time causes sudden high blood pressure. But long term alcohol consumption causes high blood pressure that doesn't go away.

Often, there are ways to control high blood pressure naturally by managing these lifestyle factors. But there are also medical conditions among the causes of high blkood pressure, and these may require blood pressure medications.

Narrowing of the arteries This is often caused by too much cholesterol in the blood. Fatty substances in cholesterol stick to the artery walls. As the walls close in, the heart has to work harder to push blood through them. As a result, the pressure against the walls of the arteries increases.

If you have high blood pressure, you should talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment.

You can also check your blood pressure regularly because it will help you spot an increase in blood pressure before it becomes too serious. Many supermarkets and pharmacies now offer free blood pressure monitoring stations, and you can also buy inexpensive home blood pressure monitors on the Internet and elsewhere.

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