What Causes Hypertension?

• Several factors can cause an individual to develop hypertension. One of the main causes is salt intake. It is recommended by The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies that healthy adults between the ages of 19 and 50 consume only 3.7 grams of salt daily. This is to replace the normal amount of salt that is lost on a daily basis through perspiration. The genetic factor also can play a role in an developing hypertension. Studies show that individuals who have had one or both parents with hypertension eventually developed it themselves. Another cause of hypertension is being overweight. An individual's blood pressure may increase if they are not active enough.
  
  

What are the Symptoms of Hypertension?

• Hypertension can develop without showing any signs. It can progress for years and even decades without one noticing. This is why it is known as a "silent killer." Some symptoms that an individual may notice are blurred vision, dizziness, headache or shortness of breath. If an individual's blood pressure is extremely high, some pertinent symptoms to look for would be chest pain, blood in the urine, severe headache, difficulty breathing or irregular heartbeat. If any of these symptoms occur, see a doctor immediately. It could cause other serious complications such as a heart attack or a stroke.
  
  

How is Blood Pressure Determined?

• When a doctor measures an individual's blood pressure, he or she will look at the systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number) readings. The pressure on the arteries that is created when the heart pushes blood through them is the systolic blood pressure. The pressure on the arteries during the time that the hearts rests in between beats is the diastolic blood pressure. The pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures.
  
  

How is Hypertension Diagnosed?

• Most individuals do not know that they have hypertension until they have a routine doctor's visit. For confirmation, the doctor will check an individual's blood pressure at least three separate times. Each time, the individual's blood pressure must be 140/90 or higher. If an individual does not believe that the doctor's results are accurate, they can check their blood pressure at home by themselves. Some people develop what is known as white-coat hypertension. This is when their blood pressure is elevated because they are in a doctor's office.
  
  

How is Hypertension Treated?

• Treatment for hypertension depends on its severity. Other factors that are taken under consideration are if the individual is a diabetic, pregnant or has heart disease. The main goal is to bring the blood pressure down to 140/85 or below. Many people who are diagnosed with hypertension are prescribed medication. Some of these medications include alpha-blockers, ARB drugs, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and peripheral vasodilators. Most of these medications are taken alone or in combination.
  
  

How Can Hypertension Be Prevented?

• Several steps can be taken to help prevent hypertension. One of these is to try to shed a couple of pounds by exercising at least three times a week. Another is lower your salt intake. Try to limit alcoholic drinks to one a day. Also, try to get at least 3,000 mg of potassium each day. Some foods that offer plenty of potassium are fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and low-fat or nonfat dairy.