What Are the Causes of Hypertension?

red blood cell
Blood Cells - Photo by: Andrew Mason

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is extremely common among adults in the USA. In fact, around 108 million adults, which is almost half, have been diagnosed with this serious condition.

This preventative disease is caused by a few factors, which this piece will take a look at, so you can modify your lifestyle to be the healthiest you can be. Read on to find out more!

What is Hypertension? 

Hypertension is the medical name for high blood pressure. High blood pressure occurs essentially when your blood moves through the artery walls at a higher pressure than what is considered normal. 

This can cause problems such as a fast and irregular heartbeat, a pounding in the chest, vision problems, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headaches, and even nosebleeds and blood in the urine. In at worst-case scenario, hypertension can lead to heart failure. 
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and want some additional support, then get help dealing with hypertension with Dario.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Your kidneys are a hard-working organ that consistently filters out toxins and waste from the body. When the kidneys become damaged, it can spell serious trouble.
But how does high blood pressure lead to chronic kidney disease? Blood pressure that is elevated for long periods of time damages the blood vessels within the kidney. This means the kidney is then unable to continue to clean the body and get rid of anything the body does not want. Unfortunately, that matter then stays within the blood, which increases the fluid volume, creating pressure.

Solution:

There is no cure for Chronic Kidney Disease, however, there are ways in which you can manage it. It will depend on what stage the disease is at that will determine your treatment, but dialysis, medication, healthy lifestyle changes, and even a kidney transplant are all options to help manage the condition.

Being Overweight or Obese

Being overweight puts a massive strain on all parts of the body and can come with numerous amounts of issues, including hypertension. High blood pressure is caused by obesity as the heart has to work much harder to get the blood pumping around the body to the organs. All of that extra stress and strain on the arteries causes them to resist, which then circles back to making the pressure rise.

obesity

Solution:

Work with a medical professional to understand the cause of weight gain. This is not always straightforward, as medication, certain chronic conditions, and psychological issues can be at play. However, by talking to someone, you will be in a better position to put a plan in place that can help reduce the strain on your body.

Genetics

Genetics are potluck, and hypertension can be one of those problems that are passed down through the family. Genetics does not often guarantee that you will inherit something, but it is often merely used as guidance.

Solution:

You cannot change your genetics, so the only way to deal with inherited diseases is to understand what to look out for and tip the odds in your favor. Living a healthy lifestyle and having regular check-ups with the doctor can help keep everything in check, whatever happens.