The risk of high blood pressure
Generally there is no single cause of high blood pressure, although there are several linked risk factors.
Factors that cannot be changed include the following.
- Family history: High blood pressure can run in the family.
- Age: As people get older, their blood pressure may change due to the arteries becoming more rigid over time.
- Gender: Men are more likely than women to have high blood pressure.
Consequences of High Blood Pressure
Possible health consequences that can happen over time when high blood pressure is left untreated include:
- Damage to the heart and coronary arteries, including heart attack, heart disease, congestive heart failure, aortic dissection, and atherosclerosis.
- Stroke
- Kidney damage
- Vision loss
- Erectile dysfunction
- Memory loss
- Fluid in the lungs
- Angina
Remember, these are not symptoms, these are consequences of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a symptomless disease except in its most extreme case known as a hypertensive crisis. When blood pressure readings rise to 180 or above for systolic (top number) or 110 or above for diastolic (bottom number), call for emergency medical treatment, immediately.
Managing high blood pressure risk
The risk factors that can be controlled through lifestyle changes include the following.
- High sodium intake: There is a well-established relationship between high intake of sodium (found in salt and other sources) and high blood pressure. Cutting down on salt will help to lower blood pressure and can make a difference very quickly. Making other dietary changes can help manage high blood pressure.
- Being overweight: Blood pressure rises as body weight increases. Being overweight can increase the risk of high blood pressure as well as the risk of heart disease and other risk factors, such as high cholesterol. Small lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.
- High alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels, and temporarily high levels can become permanently high with long-term excessive drinking. In some cases, heavy drinkers with high blood pressure can lower their levels by cutting back to moderate drinking.
- Smoking: This can increase the risk of atherosclerotic plaque and worsen the effects of high blood pressure on the arteries. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
- Diabetes: This can worsen the effects of high blood pressure on the arteries. Leading a healthy lifestyle as well as making some dietary changes can help manage diabetes.
- Inactivity and lack of exercise: Leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to being an unhealthy weight and the risk of high blood pressure. Being physically active can help maintain a healthy weight.
