Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when the pressure inside the blood vessels is too high. When your heart pumps,it sends blood out through the arteries. The force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries causes pressure. Every time your heart beats,it forces more blood into the arteries, causing the pressure to rise. Between beats,when the heart is resting, the pressure lowers.
 
  Symptoms of Hypertension

High blood pressure is sometimes called a silent killer because it may have no outward symptoms for years. In fact,one in five people with the condition don't know they have it. Internally,it can quietly damage the heart,lungs,blood vessels, brain,and kidneys if left untreated. It's a major risk factor for strokes and heart-related diseases. Symptoms of a hypertensive crises can include a severe headache, anxiety, nosebleeds, and feeling short of breath.

  The Hypertensive Danger Zone

A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher may be an indication of hypertension. When it's too high,it raises the heart 's workload and can cause serious damage to the arteries. At 180/110 and higher, you may be having a hypertensive crisis. Rest for a few minutes and check your blood pressure again. If it is still very high, visit your doctor. If left unchecked,a hypertensive crisis can lead to a stroke,heart attack,kidney damage or loss of consciousness.

  Causes of Hypertension

Up to the age of 45,more men have high blood pressure than women. It becomes more common for both men and women as they age,and more women have hypertension as they reach 65. You have a greater risk if a close family member has high blood pressure or if you are diabetic. Findings show that about 60% of people with diabetes have high blood pressure.
The cause of hypertension is unknown for up to 95% of cases. Although this is the case,a few factors can worsen it. These are smoking,stress,salt,and alcohol.

  Hypertension and Sodium

Sodium, a major component of salt,can raise blood pressure by causing the body to retain fluid,which leads to a greater burden in the heart. For people who have gene that makes them salt-sensitive,just a half teaspoon of salt can raise blood pressure by 5 mm Hg. Diet and excessive weight can play a role as well. The American Heart Association recommends eating less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. You need to check food labels and menus carefully. Processed foods contribute up to 75% of our sodium intake. Canned soups and launch meats are prime culprits.

  Hypertension and Stress

Stress can make your blood pressure spike but there's no evidence that it causes hypertension as an ongoing condition. However, stress may affect risk factors for heart disease; so,it may have an indirect connection to hypertension. Stress may lead to other unhealthy habits,like poor diet,alcohol use,or smoking, which can contribute to hypertension and heart disease.

  Hypertension and Weight

Being overweight places a strain on your heart and increases your risk of hypertension. That's why diets to lower blood pressure are often also designed to control calories. They typically call for cutting fatty foods and added sugars,while increasing fruits, vegetables, lean protein,and fiber. Even losing 10 pounds can make a huge difference.

  Hypertension and Pregnancy

Gestational hypertension is a kind of high blood pressure that occurs in the second half of pregnancy. Without treatment, it may lead to a serious condition called preeclampsia that endangers both mother and the baby. The condition can limit blood and oxygen flow to the baby and can affect the mother's kidneys and brain. After the baby is born,the mother's pressure usually returns to its normal level.

  Hypertension and Medicine

Cold and flu medicines that contain decongestants are one of several classes of medicine that can cause your blood pressure to rise. Others include pain relievers, birth control pills,and some antidepressants. If you have hypertension, talk to your doctor about what medicines and supplements you are taking that may affect blood pressure.

'White Coat' Hypertension

Some people only have a high reading in doctor's office; perhaps,the reason for this is because they are nervous. Some will only have high blood pressure sporadically. To get a more accurate reading, take your blood pressure at home,chart your readings,and share them with your doctor.

  Hypertension and Children

While hypertension is more often a problem for older people, even children can have high blood pressure. "Normal" blood pressure varies based on a child's age,height, and sex. Children are at greater risk if they are overweight and have a family history of the illness.

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