High Blood Pressure: Causes, Complications, and Treatment
High blood pressure (Hypertension) is a medical condition characterized by a persistent increase in the force of blood flow against the artery walls over a long period. It is also known as the “silent killer” because many people do not experience any obvious symptoms for long durations, while it causes multiple health problems, most notably heart disease. Therefore, it is very important to understand its causes, risk factors, and complications.
Some individuals need to raise their level of awareness regarding the necessity of following a healthy lifestyle and keeping up with periodic check-ups, especially if they have certain risk factors for hypertension. Let’s learn more about the details of this health condition.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension can be classified into two main types:
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Primary Hypertension: This is the most common type and develops gradually over time, usually with no identifiable clear cause.
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Secondary Hypertension: This type appears more quickly and causes higher blood pressure compared to the primary type. It is usually caused by another medical condition or the use of certain medications. It can be triggered by a range of factors and substances, including:
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Sleep apnea.
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Kidney function problems.
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Adrenal gland tumors.
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Thyroid problems.
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Congenital defects in blood vessels.
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Medications such as certain birth control pills, cold remedies, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
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Certain factors such as drug addiction (e.g., cocaine).
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Causes of High Blood Pressure at an Early Age
High blood pressure can appear at an early age in both children and young adults. For children, the cause may stem from specific health issues, such as:
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Heart defects.
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Certain genetic conditions.
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Overweight or obesity in older children.
As for young adults, the cause may be related to “systolic blood pressure,” which is linked to the strength of the heart’s pumping. Additionally, increased body mass or obesity can be leading factors in this age group.
Does Lack of Sleep Cause High Blood Pressure?
Yes, failing to get enough sleep over long periods can cause high blood pressure. People who sleep six hours or less per night may notice significantly elevated blood pressure levels. Furthermore, individuals suffering from sleep apnea may be at a higher risk of developing hypertension and heart problems.
Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure
The main factors that increase the risk of hypertension include:
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Age: The risk generally increases with age, especially after 64.
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Family History: Having high blood pressure in the family.
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Weight: Being overweight or obese.
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Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle.
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Habits: Tobacco use (cigarette smoke) and alcohol consumption.
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Diet: A diet high in salt (sodium), as the resulting fluid retention can cause a rise in blood pressure.
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Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of potassium in the diet.
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Stress: Chronic stress and strain.
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Chronic Conditions: Other conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea.
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Pregnancy: Pregnancy can sometimes contribute to high blood pressure.
Signs of High Blood Pressure
Most people with hypertension do not experience any obvious signs or symptoms. In fact, some individuals may not feel any signs even if their blood pressure rises to very high levels. However, there are still some symptoms that some may feel, especially when blood pressure is severely high or in cases called a “hypertensive crisis,” which may include headaches. To learn more about the signs of high blood pressure, more reliable medical sources can be consulted.
Complications of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can increase the strain on blood vessel walls, potentially causing damage to the vessels over time. If inadequately treated, it can lead to serious and life-threatening health complications, such as:
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Heart failure.
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Stroke or heart attack.
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Weakened blood vessel function in the kidneys.
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Aneurysm.
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Increased likelihood of ruptured blood vessels, including those in the eye.
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Metabolic syndrome.
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Memory problems and the possibility of cognitive decline with age, including vascular dementia.
Does High Blood Pressure Cause Bleeding?
There is a potential link between high blood pressure and nosebleeds. This may be because the thin blood vessels in the nose might be more susceptible to damage due to high pressure on their walls. However, nosebleeds usually occur in cases of severe high blood pressure known as a “hypertensive crisis,” and not necessarily regularly due to mild or moderate hypertension.
Does Blood Pressure Affect the Eye?
Yes, in some cases, high blood pressure can cause damage to the microscopic blood vessels in a person’s eyes.
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