High Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Prevention

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. Blood pressure is measured with two numbers: systolic blood pressure (the top number) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number), measured in mmHg.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

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

• Family history: Having a family history of high blood pressure.
• Unhealthy diet: Eating too much salt, saturated fat, and trans fat.
• Lack of physical activity: Insufficient physical exercise.
• Smoking: Smoking raises blood pressure and damages blood vessels.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol raises blood pressure and harms the liver.
• Obesity and overweight: A high BMI increases the risk of high blood pressure.
• Stress: Prolonged stress raises blood pressure.
• Other medical conditions: Kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Many people with high blood pressure have no symptoms. Regular blood pressure checks are therefore crucial. Some symptoms that may occur include:

• Severe headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.

Preventing High Blood Pressure

To prevent high blood pressure, you should:

• Healthy diet: Reduce salt intake, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Increase physical activity: Exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
• Lose weight if overweight or obese: Maintain a healthy weight.
• Quit smoking: Stop smoking cigarettes.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Drink in moderation or abstain.
• Manage stress: Find ways to reduce stress.
• Regular blood pressure checks: Regularly check your blood pressure for early detection.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any symptoms of high blood pressure or have high-risk factors, see a doctor for advice and timely treatment. Early detection and treatment will help reduce the risk of serious complications.