High Blood Pressure
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is common among Americans. Over time, the force of the blood against your artery walls may be high enough to cause health problems like heart disease.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
Rarely do symptoms accompany high blood pressure. However, some people may experience the following symptoms once the disorder has reached a severe stage:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
If you believe you may be at risk for high blood pressure, you should take a blood pressure test.
What are the causes of high blood pressure?
The exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown. However, several factors can lead to high blood pressure. These can include:
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Too much salt
- Too much alcohol
- Stress
- Genetics
- Old age
- Family members with similar conditions
- High alcohol consumption
Can any complications arise if left untreated?
- Aortic aneurysms
- Heart attacks
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Stroke
- Vascular dementia
Work with your doctor to get your high blood pressure under control to reduce your risk of these medical conditions.
What medications treat high blood pressure?
Your doctor may prescribe several medications for treating high blood pressure, covering ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers and diuretics.
References
High blood pressure (hypertension) - NHS
Common medications may include