High Blood Pressure: What's causing it and how do I fix it?

First things first: What causes high blood pressure? 

Source: hypertensiontreatmenttips.blogspot.com

As you can see, many factors can contribute to high blood pressure. Because you can only control some of them, it is important to know what you're up against!

These are some of the factors that can contribute to raising blood pressure:

• Diet, especially high salt intake
• Lack of physical activity
• High levels of stress
• Tobacco and alcohol consumption

If you have have been told by your doctor that you have high blood pressure, you should start by figuring out if any of these factors could be contributing to your high blood pressure. Once you have an idea of which factors are causing your hypertension, you will be able to lower your blood pressure more effectively.

How can I combat this issue? 

The approach that you will take to fight your high blood pressure will be different depending on what you feel are the most relevant to your lifestyle. 

• Diet- The most important factor in maintaining a healthy blood pressure related to diet is salt intake. By watching the amount of sodium that you are eating and consuming less, you will be able to take control of your blood pressure. Watch out for processed and frozen foods, which usually contain lots of sodium!
• Lack of exercise- Physical activity is great for your body in many ways, but it is also known to help keep blood pressure at a  healthy level. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator to get in a little extra cardio!
• High levels of stress- Experiencing a lot of stress is sure keep your blood pressure up. While you can't always control the amount of stress you will experience, you can learn how to manage it. If you're feeling stressed often, start practicing some stress-relieving techniques like deep breathing.
• Tobacco and alcohol consumption- Like all drugs, tobacco and alcohol will affect your body. In order to minimize these effects, enjoy only one or two alcholic drinks a day and avoid tobacco as much as possible. Don't try to cut these things out cold turkey! This method will often be stressful and not stick. 

Get help with lowering your blood pressure now!

Sources:

• Association of American Family Physicians
• American Heart Association
• Centers for Disease Control 
• World Health Organization/

High Blood Pressure: what's it all about?

What is high blood pressure?

Hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) is when your heart is pushing blood through your body at a very high pressure

What's so bad about it?

High blood pressure weakens the body's blood vessels and does bad things to your health, like adding to heart disease, artery disease, and kidney disease. Having high blood pressure for a long time makes you more likely to have a stroke or aneurysm. 

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is often present without any symptoms, which is why it's very important to have your blood pressure checked often. 

When symptoms are present, they usually include headaches, dizzy spells, and nosebleeds. 

What blood pressure values are considered high?

As you can see in the chart below, a normal blood pressure is approximately 120/80. 

Prehypertension (the phase before hypertension) is anywhere up to 139/89. This is the stage at which you should begin to take steps to control your blood pressure, but it is unlikely that damage is being done to your body at this point. 

When your blood pressure reaches Stage 1 and Stage 2, which is labelled as anything between 140/90 and 179/109, it is likely that damage is being done to the body by the high level of force at which blood is being pushed around the body.

Source: American Heart Association

Below is a video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that gives a practical explanation of what hypertension is and how is affects our bodies. 

Sources:

• American Heart Association 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Mayo Clinic
• National Institutes of Health