Hypertension (or abnormally high blood pressure) is often referred to as the silent killer simply because there are not always any obvious symptoms associated with the illness.
But let's start by taking a look at what causes this all too common condition.
High blood pressure happens when the pressure of the blood in the arteries (a blood vessel that is part of the system carrying blood under pressure from the heart to the rest of the body) is elevated, and this happens as a result of 2 major factors: 1.
The heart pumps blood with excessive force.
2.
The narrowing of the body's smaller blood vessels which then cause blood flow to exert more pressure than is normal against the vessel's walls.
Why do people get High Blood Pressure? Quite often (but not always), hypertension is a direct result of lifestyle.
In fact, sometimes a change in lifestyle alone can bring your blood pressure back to normal, but depending on how high it is at diagnosis your doctor may also prescribe medication in conjunction with a change in the way you live your life.
Inactive people are more susceptible to getting high blood pressure than those who engage in physical activity.
It's the same old story repeated over and over again, and that is people who put more of the 'right' kinds of food into their mouths and get regular exercise, are far less likely to suffer from many of the modern ills that life dishes out.
Eating healthy and just moving, is a very simple recipe for living, yet so many of us cram all the unwholesome foods down our throats that we can get hold of, while at the same time slouching in our favorite arm chairs flicking through the TV channels.
Some other factors which contribute greatly to hypertension are: high salt diets; excessive consumption of alcohol; stress; and of course those number one offenders, obesity, and smoking.
Simply engaging in a healthier lifestyle will benefit you immensely and help protect you from high blood pressure and many other complications related to poor health.
Why is High Blood Pressure Dangerous? High blood pressure can lead to all kinds of serious health problems if gone unnoticed, some of the most severe being stroke, heart attack, heart failure, arterial aneurysm or renal failure.
Each of these has the potential of being life-threatening conditions, so if you care anything about your health, you need to get your blood pressure checked regularly, or better still, keep an accurate home blood pressure monitor with the family first aid kit.
These monitors are simple to use and can now be easily purchased on the high street.
What are the Symptoms of Hypertension? As I said earlier, High Blood Pressure has a reputation for being a silent killer and that is because it can be a latent disease.
That said, there are some symptoms that many folks will shrug off as something else, but if you find you have any of the following recurring warning signs, then you really should get your blood pressure checked immediately:Dizziness, a ruddy face, headaches, fatigue and a kind of ringing in the ears.
Are you vulnerable to high blood pressure? Find out by getting a quick simple blood pressure reading today!