Risk factors that increase high blood pressure

High blood pressure is a common medical condition that has recently increased even among young people, and the causes of high blood pressure are due to genetic and lifestyle factors, and high pressure may result from another health conditions, such as kidney disease, adrenal disorders, and others.

High blood pressure is a common disease that, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications, such as heart disease and stroke, and many of the factors causing high blood pressure can be controlled, and according to research published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, high blood pressure is strongly driven by a set of modifiable risk factors. In this report, we learn about modifiable risk factors for high blood pressure, according to "The Times of India".

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a chronic condition characterized by high blood pressure levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg (mmHg) or higher.

Two numbers are used to represent blood pressure. The first digit Systolic pressure) represents the pressure of the blood vessels produced when The heart contracts or beats. The pressure in the arteries between the heartbeats is shown by the second digit (diastolic pressure).

Risk factors for high blood pressure

Unhealthy diet

One of the main risk factors for high blood pressure is an unhealthy diet, in which excessive sodium intake and high sugar consumption have been linked to high blood pressure. To counter this risk, it is recommended to eat a heart-healthy diet, reduce salt and sugar intake, and choose nutrient-rich foods.

Lack of physical activity

Sedentary behavior is a significant cause of hypertension. On the other hand, regular exercise has proven its benefits in managing blood pressure. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, even though simple exercise, can have a significant impact on cardiovascular health.

Smoking

Smoking is a well-known cause when it comes to high blood pressure. Harmful chemicals in tobacco can narrow blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure.

Stress and mental health

Chronic stress and mental health play an important role in high blood pressure. People are urged to practice mindfulness, learn relaxation techniques, and seek mental health care as needed to counteract this risk factor.

Early signs of high blood pressure

It's important to recognize early signs of high blood pressure, which can include persistent headaches, nosebleeds, and dizziness, according to the World Health Organization. However, high blood pressure often remains asymptomatic, underscoring the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring.

Nephrology

The causes of high blood pressure for patients with kidney failure may be due to kidney damage, as chronic kidney disease affects the volume and concentration of fluids and electrolytes (minerals and salts in the body), which leads to increased pressure on the arteries and high blood pressure.

A narrowing of one of the renal arteries also causes less blood flow to the kidneys, thus increasing the secretion of the hormone renin in large quantities that stimulate the production of other substances that raise pressure, such as angiotensin 2.

Some kidney diseases that are causes of hypertension include polycystic kidney disease, kidney tumors, kidney failure, and renal artery stenosis or blockage.

Hypertension for pregnant women

High pressure in pregnant women is one of the health problems that can occur in pregnancy, as approximately 6 to 8% of women suffer during pregnancy from high blood pressure, high pressure for pregnant women may affect the health of the mother and fetus, as it makes the mother more at risk of complications before, during, and after birth, and it may also harm the fetus through its effect on the development of the placenta, which leads to restricting the baby's supply of nutrients and oxygen.

Prevention of hypertension

To prevent high blood pressure, consider making dietary changes, incorporating regular exercise, and managing stress through relaxation practices.

Regular checkups with health care providers are vital for early detection and intervention. World Health Organization stresses the importance of these preventive measures.