high blood pressure
High blood pressure is a common condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is so strong that it can cause health problems, such as heart disease
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood pumped by the heart and the resistance in the arteries. The more blood is pumped and the narrower the arteries, the higher the blood pressure
You can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without symptoms Even in the absence of symptoms, damage to the heart and blood vessels is ongoing and can be detected Untreated hypertension increases the risk of serious health problems These include heart attack and stroke
High blood pressure usually develops over years and occurs in almost all people Fortunately it can be easily detected and once detected it can be controlled with a doctor
There are two types of hypertension
Primary (essential) hypertension In most adults, the cause of hypertension cannot be determined This type of hypertension, called essential hypertension and primary hypertension, develops over years
Secondary hypertension Some people develop hypertension due to another disease. This type of hypertension is called secondary hypertension It appears suddenly and causes higher blood pressure than primary hypertension Many conditions and medications can cause secondary hypertension These are:
- Kidney problems
- Adrenal problems
- Thyroid problems
- Congenital blood vessel disorders
- Some medications, such as birth control pills, cold medications, nasal congestion medications
Most people with hypertension have no signs or symptoms despite very high blood pressure
Some people may experience headaches, episodes of dizziness, and frequent nosebleeds in the early stages of hypertension, but these signs and symptoms usually develop in the late, life-threatening stages of the disease.
When to consult a doctor
During a routine examination, the doctor will most likely measure your blood pressure.
Ask your doctor to measure your blood pressure every two years from the age of 18 Blood pressure should be checked in both arms to see if there is a difference Your doctor will most likely recommend more frequent blood pressure measurements if you have already been diagnosed with hypertension or are in a risk group for cardiovascular disease.
If you don't see your doctor regularly, try to get your blood tested elsewhere Many stores have blood pressure gauges, but they can give incorrect results
