|
|
| Allergy-Proof Your House |
| Tips for keeping your
home clean, green and allergy-free. |
 |
 |
|
|
| |
RSS Health News |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Reducing Your Risk Factors for Hypertension |
 |
|
There are few people who are not at least somewhat familiar with the medical condition known as hypertension. Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension afflicts millions of Americans each year, and is one of the leading causes for heart attacks and strokes. Hypertension is a reflection of arterial resistance to blood flow. In simple terms, it occurs when your arteries are unable to manage the level of blood that is being pumped from your heart. In most cases, hypertension develops over long periods of time, and is the result of a number of genetic and lifestyle factors.
There are two basic types of hypertension: primary and secondary. Primary or essential hypertension is by far the more common of the two, and is prevalent in roughly 90 percent of all hypertension cases. Primary hypertension has no discernible cause, and develops over the course of many years. Secondary hypertension constitutes the remaining 10 percent of these cases, and is the result of some other medical condition. Ailments such as kidney problems, adrenal tumors, heart defects, and even medications can lead to a sudden onset of secondary hypertension.
The most alarming aspect of hypertension is that it seldom involves any warning signs or symptoms until the disease has progressed to its most serious state. As a result, many cases of hypertension are not identified until the condition is quite serious - and in some cases even life-threatening. Because of this, it is important that everyone consult with a doctor on at least a biannual basis for a full physical examination which includes blood pressure tests. For anyone concerned about potential blood pressure problems, free screenings are often available at local clinics.
One of the most important things that you can do to reduce the dangers of hypertension in your life is to do everything possible to minimize the most common risk factors that cause it. Though there are some risk factors beyond your control, such as your age, race, and family history, still others are well within your ability to manage.
Take, for instance, your weight and fitness level. It is a demonstrable fact that the heavier you are, the more blood your body requires for essential oxygen and other nutrients. Because of this fact, the increased flow of blood through your arteries results in greater pressure on those blood vessels to manage the flow - and an increase in blood pressure. In like fashion, inactivity results in higher heart rates - and the higher your heart rate is, the more effort it takes for your heart to produce each contraction. This also places greater strain on your arteries, and results in hypertension.
In addition, too much stress, salt, alcohol, and any use of tobacco also contribute to higher blood pressure. Tobacco in particular poses a tremendous threat for hypertension, as it not only immediately raises blood pressure, but causes long-term damage to the arterial walls and narrowing of arteries. Finally, an insufficient amount of various vitamins (vitamin D in particular) and key elements such as potassium can lead to imbalances in your body that result in heightened blood pressure.
|
| Back |
|
