High Blood Pressure Origin and Risk Factors - By: Leena Kiri

High blood pressure or elevated, by specialists called hypertension, occurs when blood travels at a higher pressure than normal. Although in some cases it may manifest itself in dizziness, nosebleeds, or headache (headache), most of those affected do not have noticeable symptoms.

This lack of demonstrations does not mean that it is a harmless condition; on the contrary, its presence is closely related to the impairment of kidneys and vision, not to mention increasing the risk of heart attack in heart or brain. Not for nothing, specialists and general population know this problem as "silent murderer."

Origin and risk factors
The heart has the function of periodically contract to pump blood throughout the body, and as a result of this activity generates a natural tension in the walls of the arteries, it helps the vital liquid to fulfill its journey.

Also, each beat records two movements, each responsible for two different pressure waves: maximum systolic or when blood is pushed, and another minimum or diastolic when the heart muscle relaxes and fills. It is for this reason that when measuring blood pressure should be recorded two values for each of the above times.

Blood pressure can vary considerably according to circumstances, and usually increases with age both in person and by stress or physical exertion. However, states that the figures ideal for adult, young or middle-aged is at rest, is 120 (systolic) and 80 (diastolic), which are being expressed 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) .

Thus, hypertension is said to exist when the heart pumps blood into the arteries with greater than necessary force. Specifically, the current parameters state that this occurs when the systolic pressure is equal to or greater than 140 mm Hg, diastolic less than 90 mm Hg, or a combination of both (which occurs in the vast majority of cases) .

The increased pressure in the arteries is due to several factors:
More vigorous pumping of the heart. In such circumstances it is clear that there is increased the volume of blood that travels through the bloodstream and, above all, how hard you drive.
Lack of flexibility in the arteries. When the bloodstream can not expand, blood from each heartbeat is forced through a smaller space than normal, increasing the tension.
Increasing the amount of fluid circulation system. The limited removal of water causes the body to have a larger volume than normal, so the blood pressure increases in the process.

Besides the above, it is clear that the experts established the existence of two major types of hypertension: primary or essential, which occurs between 85% and 90% of cases and no known causes, although it is speculated which is hereditary, and secondary, which is present in 15% or less of patients and has an identified cause, among which are:

Kidney disease. The presence of tumors or narrowing of an artery feeding the kidneys (stenosis), other problems can affect the work of these bodies and make them unable to remove salt and water properly, so the volume of circulating blood increases.
Problems in arteries. Aging and accumulation of fat in their walls (atherosclerosis) decreases the ability of the bloodstream to expand and offer more space for circulation.
Hormonal disorders. Malfunction of the thyroid gland, responsible for coordinating multiple functions of the human body can cause alterations in the work of kidneys and circulatory system. Also, tumors in the adrenal glands, which secrete the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, cause increased blood pressure.
Sleep apnea (snoring). This problem, which is characterized by disruption of supply air during sleep, forcing the heart to work forcefully and create beats with greater force than normal.
Medication use. It is known that some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, can trigger high blood pressure.

Finally, it should be noted that obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, high fat diet, stress and excessive alcohol consumption, snuff or salt are factors that can exacerbate or trigger the onset of this health problem in both people with a hereditary predisposition as in people who have acquired some reason, as mentioned above.

In general terms we can say that the first step is that the patient change their lifestyle, being of great importance:
Maintain ideal weight. Large numbers of people suffering from obesity with high blood pressure, and we know that any decrease in body fat volume brings noticeable improvements.
Limit consumption of alcohol and snuff, as this ensures the proper functioning of the nervous and circulatory systems.
Reduce sodium intake, a mineral that is primarily responsible for fluid accumulation. This should moderate their consumption of table salt and that used to prepare food and to avoid products such as nuts, meats and preserves.
Include an exercise routine of at least 30 minutes, 4 days a week. Walking, swimming or cycling are good choices.
Increase consumption of vegetables (rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium are minerals that help eliminate sodium), as well as high-fiber foods like fruits and whole grains in the shell, they favor the elimination of cholesterol before entering the bloodstream.
Replace red meat, rich in saturated fat, white meat, especially fish. It is also recommended adopting the use of olive oil.
In case of high blood pressure are present along with diabetes, care will be even higher: as to be controlled even more power consumption of fats, moderate intake of sugars and is likely to recommend the use of a supplement food to balance the nutrient supply, also weight control should be larger and carry out constant monitoring of blood glucose and blood cholesterol.

Finally, remember that hypertension, when untreated, generates high probability of death for sufferers, being the most common causes cerebral infarction (33% to 35%) and renal failure (10 to 15%). It is therefore very important that people who have been diagnosed with this problem follow the exactly the measures agreed with the doctor and visit him on the dates agreed to follow up the case, but also the general population and especially who have a family history of disease, practice the following habits as a preventive measure and have a healthier life:
Maintain proper body weight and prevent children obese.
Moderate consumption of snuff and alcohol to keep in good condition bloodstream.
Exercising regularly.
Having a diet that emphasizes consumption of fruits, vegetables and cereals.

Consult your doctor.

About the Author

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Leena-Kiri/97058

Additional Articles From - Home | Health & fitness | Hypertension