Identify The Cause & Early High Blood Pressure Symptoms [Hypertension]

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic condition in which the blood pressure in the artery wall (vascular net) increased. This condition is known as "the silent killer" because it rarely has obvious symptoms. The only way to tell if you have hypertension is to measure blood pressure. If you have not checked out and do not know your blood pressure, ask your doctor to check it. All adults should check their blood pressure at least every five years.

As of 2000, nearly one billion people, or approximately 26% of the world's adult population has hypertension. This is common in advanced countries (333 million) and developing countries (639 million). However, this figure varies greatly in some areas with the lowest rate of 3.4% (males) and 6.8% (women) in rural India and the highest 68.9% (male) and 72.5% (female ) in Poland.

In 1995 an estimated 43 million people in the United States have hypertension or antihypertensive therapy. This figure represents almost 24% of the adult population in the US. Number of hypertension in the United States increased and reached 29% in 2004. As of 2006 hypertension strike 76 million adults in the United States (34% of the population) and most cases occur in adults African-American race which amounted to 44%. The disease is more experienced by Native Americans and fewer experienced by the whites and Mexican-American race. This amount increases with age and is more common in the southeastern United States. Hypertension is more common in men than women (although this difference tends to decrease in menopausal women) and among those with lower socioeconomic status.

The cause of hypertension

The cause of hypertension can not be ascertained in more than 90 percent of cases. In cases where there is absolutely no apparent cause or factors, hypertension is known as primary hypertension. There are several factors that allegedly can increase your risk of developing these conditions, namely:

• Age: The risk of hypertension increases with age.
• Hereditary factors: People with family members who suffer from hypertension have a high risk for the same condition.
• Smoking: Smoking can increase blood pressure at the same time narrowing the artery wall.
• Overweight or obese. Oxygen and nutrients supplied by blood will be measured according to the body weight. Excessive weight will require oxygen and more nutrients, so it takes more blood volume. Increased blood volume increases blood pressure.
• Lack of exercise. People who rarely exercise are likely to have a faster heart rate, so the heart has to work harder. Heart work harder will increase blood pressure.
• High salt levels in food. High salt levels can cause a buildup of fluid in the body, which in turn increases blood pressure.
• Too much consuming alcohol. The alcohol content in liquor can trigger organ damage to the heart.
• Stress. High levels of stress could potentially lead to increased blood pressure.

While hypertension caused by certain basic conditions are called secondary hypertension. Overall, 10 percent of hypertension cases are secondary types. Some of the causes behind this condition generally include:

• Diabetes.
• Kidney illness.
• Conditions that affect the tissues of the body, such as lupus.
• Certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives, analgesics or pain relievers, cold medicine, and decongestants.
• Constriction of blood vessels (arteries) that supply blood to the kidneys.
• Hormonal disorders, especially thyroid.

Hypertension symptoms

Many people suffering from hypertension without knowing it, because the disease is not likely to have significant symptoms. Adults should check their blood pressure at least once in five years. But for those who have a high risk of hypertension, it is advisable to undergo blood pressure measurements annually.

In some rare cases, a person with very high blood pressure may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent headaches, nosebleeds, blurred vision or double vision. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Hypertension is not addressed can lead to serious diseases, such as stroke and heart disease.

Hypertension and Pregnancy

Mothers who are pregnant are strongly encouraged to measure blood pressure on a regular basis, though the results were never high. With regular inspections and monitoring, the mother can lower the risk of hypertension that may occur during pregnancy.

If not examined, pregnant women might experience a serious condition known as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia will cause interference with the placenta (the organ that connects the baby's blood circulation to the mother or placenta).

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