High Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Understanding Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the blood pressure in your arteries is consistently higher than normal. High blood pressure puts extra strain on your blood vessels, increasing your risk of serious cardiovascular problems like stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney disease.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

In many cases, the cause of high blood pressure isn’t clear (primary hypertension). However, several factors can increase your risk, including:

Controllable Risk Factors:

• Unhealthy Diet: Eating too much salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
• Lack of Physical Activity: Insufficient exercise.
• Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessel walls.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol raises blood pressure.
• Stress: Prolonged stress can increase blood pressure.
• Obesity: High BMI increases risk.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:

• Age: Risk increases with age.
• Family History: If family members have hypertension, you are at higher risk.
• Race: Certain races have a higher risk.
• Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can cause high blood pressure.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms. That’s why regular blood pressure checks are crucial. Some signs may appear in later stages, including:

• Severe headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Blood in urine

Preventing High Blood Pressure

You can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure by:

• Eating a Healthy Diet: Reduce salt intake, increase fruits and vegetables, and choose foods rich in potassium.
• Increasing Physical Activity: Exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
• Losing Weight if Overweight or Obese: Weight loss can lower blood pressure.
• Quitting Smoking: Quitting smoking benefits cardiovascular health.
• Limiting Alcohol: Drink alcohol in moderation.
• Managing Stress: Find ways to relax and reduce stress.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or have a family history of high blood pressure, see your doctor for a checkup and advice.