Blood pressure is said to be the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries when it pumped from the heart to all parts of the body. In a healthy body system the pressure applied by the heart, determined by nature, is sufficient for the blood to reach the entire body. When the pressure of the blood on the arteries increases, then such a situation is called high blood pressure.

Factors Which May Affect Blood Pressure:

•    Level of water and salt in the body

•    Condition of your blood vessels, nervous system and kidneys

•    Levels of different hormones in the body

•    Advancing age

The Risk of High Blood Pressure Increases if You:

•    Are obese

•    Consume too much salt

•    Are often nervous or stressed

•    Are diabetic

•    Genetically inclined

•    In the habit of smoking

High blood pressure is also caused by other prevailing medical conditions or medicines. This is called secondary hypertension and it may be caused due to:

•    Autoimmune disorders

•    Kidney diseases

•    Alcohol abuse

•    Cocaine use

•    Diabetes

•    Thyroid disorders

•    Cushing syndrome

•    Adrenal tumors

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure:

Usually there are no advance warnings. However, you may keep an eye out for:

•    Lethargy

•    Buzzing noise in the ear

•    Headache

•    Confusion

•    Problems in vision

•    Bleeding from the nose

•    Uneven heartbeat

If you experience any of the above symptoms, call your health care professional immediately.

Tests to Determine High Blood Pressure:

Repeated blood pressure checks at regular intervals are needed so that the diagnosis can be confirmed.

•    Blood tests

•    Electrocardiogram

•    Echocardiogram

•    Ultrasound of kidneys

•    Urinalysis

Medical Treatment for High Blood Pressure:

The aim of the treatment is to lower the blood pressure and to reduce the risk of further complications. Medications which are usually administered to reduce high blood pressure are:

Beta blockers

Alpha blockers

Central alpha agonists

Calcium channel blockers

Vasodilators

Renin inhibitors

Diuretics

Apart from Taking Medications, the other Important Factors are:

•    Switching to a heart-healthy diet which should include potassium and fiber

•    Diets rich in fruits, vegetables and diary products of the low-fat variety should be preferred

•    Drinking plenty of water

•    Exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes a day

•    To discontinue smoking with immediate effect

•    Significant reduction in alcohol intake

•    Reduce salt intake to less than 1500 mg per day

•    Reducing stress

•    Avoiding stress related areas

•    Take steps to reduce weight

•    Diabetics should keep blood sugar under control

Right medications and proper lifestyle changes as directed by your health care professional should keep high blood pressure under control.

Since high blood pressure is not a trail blazer as far as the symptoms are concerned, it is prudent to regularly check the blood pressure. The trick is to go searching for it rather than wait for it to reveal itself. If you return empty handed then it is good news and if you do find it you are at least forewarned and can take corrective steps immediately. But if you wait for it, then high blood pressure normally does not come alone. When it decides to reveal itself a good amount of harm may already have been done, which may then require some undoing.

Just to give an idea what high blood pressure can lead to:

•    Blood vessel damage

•    Brain damage

•    Heart attack

•    Chronic kidney disease

•    Heart failure

•    Stroke

•    Vision loss

•    Hypertensive heart disease

•    Peripheral artery disease

•    Pregnancy complications