A stunning number of people in the U.S. cope with high blood pressure; over 74 million have it. The condition is currently the number one cause of strokes and a leading contributor to heart attacks. Also known as hypertension, most people don't even realize they have it until they visit their doctor for a normal checkup. Below, we'll explore how your arteries work, who is at risk of developing high blood pressure, and the difference between essential and secondary hypertension.
Your Arteries
Blood moves through your arteries on its way to various parts of your body. Under normal circumstances, the pressure within your arteries is fine. However, there are times when the pressure builds and the blood pushes against the arterial walls. When that happens, especially over prolonged periods, the health of the artery can be damaged. Eventually, the damage can lead to heart disease.
Who Is At Risk?
Some people are more susceptible to developing hypertension than others. The reasons can range from genetics to dietary habits. If someone in your family has the condition, or has heart disease, you should see your doctor. If you're severely overweight, an habitual heavy drinker or smoker, or consume foods with a high saturated fat content, you're at risk. Also, black people and those over the age of 55 are also at risk.
Essential Vs. Secondary Hypertension
The true cause of the condition is still unknown. Over 90% of cases are referred to as "essential hypertension." That basically implies that the root causes are familial, gender or race-related, or due to age. Other factors include diet and level of activity.
By contrast, "secondary hypertension" is a term reserved for those cases where a definite root cause has been identified. For example, kidney disease is one of the most common contributing factors to this variety. Also, researchers have found that some physical issues can cause the adrenal glands to secrete hormones which can exacerbate the condition.
How To Control It
Once you have high blood pressure, you'll always have it. The only path left to you is to learn to control it. Most doctors strongly recommend that you limit your salt intake. They also suggest that you modify your diet to include more vegetables, fruits, and foods with a high fiber content. Finally, get some form of exercise each day. Living a sedentary lifestyle can cause hypertension to worsen.
Most importantly, schedule regular checkups with your doctor. The warning signs that are related to the condition are silent. They can lead to life-threatening circumstances before you even realize there's a medical issue.
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