Hypertension
High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.
Causes of Hypertension
Though the exact causes of hypertension are usually unknown, there are several factors that have been highly associated with the condition. These include:- Smoking
- Obesity or being overweight
- Diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Lack of physical activity
- High levels of salt intake (sodium sensitivity)
- Insufficient calcium, potassium, and magnesium consumption
- Vitamin D deficiency
- High levels of alcohol consumption
- Stress
- Aging
- Medicines such as birth control pills
- Genetics and a family history of hypertension
- Chronic kidney disease
- Adrenal and thyroid problems or tumors
Symptoms of Hypertension
There is no guarantee that a person with hypertension will present any symptoms of the condition. About 33% of people actually do not know that they have high blood pressure, and this ignorance can last for years. For this reason, it is advisable to undergo periodic blood pressure screenings even when no symptoms are present. Extremely high blood pressure may lead to some symptoms, however, and these include:- Severe headaches
- Fatigue or confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Problems with vision
- Chest pains
- Breathing problems
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blood in the urine