Friday, October 12, 2012

A few of the Top Factors Causing Hypertension

By Roz Glendenthal


It's not always easy to identify the cause of high blood pressure, as there are many elements that can contribute to hypertension, and in some cases it isn't even possible to find a cause. To avoid other potential complications you'll want to get a diagnosis early. Knowing the causes can help you avoid them.

Adrenal and thyroid conditions that go untreated can contribute to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be caused by hypothyroidism. Problems in the adrenal gland can also cause your high blood pressure. A number of symptoms can be associated with these conditions such as fatigue, weight gain, and joint pain. People often live with these conditions for a long time without realizing it, as they can only be detected by medical tests. Treatment usually consists of prescription medication.

While people of any age can have high blood pressure, the risk increases as you age. Both men and women are more prone to hypertension as they age, but men are more likely to develop it sooner.

If you are obese your risk for other health problems and high blood pressure are often greater given early warning signs. One way to reduce risk is to start an exercise regimen and change your diet.

People who have certain long term illnesses have a greater than average risk of developing high blood pressure. Kidney disease is one common cause of high blood pressure, especially in the elderly. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can also bring about high blood pressure, as this disease often causes damage to the kidneys. If there is a family history of either kidney disease or diabetes, you are at a greater risk for developing these problems. Your doctor should be monitoring your blood pressure if you have been diagnosed with diabetes or any kind of kidney disease and may prescribe medication to manage it.

While many factors, such as age, diet, smoking and stress can contribute to it, even experts have not identified a specific cause in the majority of cases. If you want to know if you have high blood pressure, the only way is to have it checked by a medical professional. The important thing is that, no matter what the cause, high blood pressure can be treated and managed, either by lifestyle changes alone or with the help of medication.

One way to control your blood pressure is to pay attention to your cholesterol level. There are two types of cholesterol you have to pay attention to, often called good and bad cholesterol. Bad cholesterol, or LDL, is the kind that blocks the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Certain types of food can contribute to high blood pressure. One of these foods, salt, is well known for its role in hypertension which is why doctors recommend a low sodium diet. Junk food, sugar and unhealthy fats all have a bearing on blood pressure. Add vegetables and fruits to your diet to avoid needing more treatment for your hypertension. While your diet is one cause there are others.

The above information is meant to open your eyes to some of the causes of high blood pressure you need to be aware of. If you have any risk factors, such as being overweight, having diabetes or a kidney problem or a family history of hypertension, you should get regular checkups and ask your doctor about the best way to control your blood pressure.

High blood pressure isn't always noticed or diagnosed until it's gone way beyond just hypertension which is why it is referred to as a silent killer. By having your doctor check your blood pressure regularly, and becoming familiar with the causes of hypertension, such as the ones we've been focusing on in this article, you can be in a better position to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.




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