Blood pressure is a measure of the force that blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as it is pumped around the body by the heart. It is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (the higher number) and diastolic pressure (the lower number). Systolic pressure represents the force in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps out blood. Diastolic pressure represents the force in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. A normal blood pressure reading should be around 120/80 mmHg.
what causes high blood pressure
There are many potential causes of
high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. In some cases, the exact cause
is not known and is referred to as essential hypertension. However, in other
cases, high blood pressure can be caused by underlying medical conditions or
lifestyle factors.
Some of the most common causes of
high blood pressure include:
- Obesity or being overweight
- Lack of physical activity
- Consuming too much salt
- Consuming too much alcohol
- Smoking
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Chronic stress
- Certain medical conditions such as kidney disease,
diabetes, and sleep apnea
- Certain medications such as birth control pills and
certain decongestants
It is important to note that
hypertension is a complex condition that might have multiple causes and risk
factors. A combination of lifestyle changes and medication may be needed to
manage high blood pressure effectively.
How to manage high blood pressure
There are several lifestyle changes
that can help manage high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. These
include:
1.
Eating a healthy diet that is low in
salt, saturated fat, and added sugars
2.
Maintaining a healthy weight
3.
Exercising regularly, such as at
least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity
aerobic activity per week
4.
Limiting alcohol consumption
5.
Managing stress through techniques
such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
Additionally, you may be prescribed
medication to manage your high blood pressure by a healthcare professional. It
is also important to see a healthcare provider regularly to monitor your blood
pressure and to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
It is important to always follow your healthcare provider's advice and not to stop or change any medication without consulting with them first.
