Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Prevention

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the blood pressure in your arteries is consistently higher than normal. Prolonged high blood pressure can lead to many dangerous complications, particularly affecting the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

Causes of Hypertension

There are many causes of hypertension, including both identifiable and unidentifiable factors. Some key causes include:

Identifiable Causes:

• Genetics: A family history of hypertension increases your risk.
• Age: The risk of hypertension increases with age.
• Diet: High intake of salt, saturated fats, and cholesterol.
• Obesity: High BMI increases the pressure on the heart and blood vessels.
• Lack of Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle reduces the efficiency of the circulatory system.
• Stress: Chronic stress increases the production of hormones that constrict blood vessels.
• Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol consumption raises blood pressure and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Unidentifiable Causes:

In some cases, the cause of hypertension is unknown. This is called primary hypertension or essential hypertension.

Symptoms of Hypertension

Many people with hypertension have no noticeable symptoms. Only when blood pressure is very high or complications arise do symptoms appear, such as:

• Severe Headaches: Often located at the back of the head.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired and lethargic.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, even with mild exertion.
• Blurred Vision: Impaired vision.
• Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest.

Preventing Hypertension

To prevent hypertension, maintain a healthy lifestyle, including:

• Balanced Diet: Reduce salt intake and increase fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Regular Exercise: At least 30 minutes most days of the week.
• Weight Management: Losing weight if overweight or obese reduces pressure on the heart and blood vessels.
• Stress Management: Relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help reduce stress.
• Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking protects cardiovascular health.
• Limit Alcohol: Moderate alcohol consumption or abstinence is recommended.
• Regular Blood Pressure Checks: Regular monitoring helps in early detection.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. If you experience any symptoms of hypertension, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.