Ask a doctor - What causes high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Q. What causes high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries (blood vessels) is higher than normal. This increased pressure can cause significant damage to your heart and other organs over time, making it important to take steps to lower and manage high blood pressure.

The exact causes of high blood pressure vary from person to person but there are some common underlying factors that contribute towards its development. These include:

• Age: Blood pressure naturally increases with age due to wear and tear on your arteries from years of exposure to everyday activities such as walking, running or lifting weights. As you get older, this wear-and-tear process leads to narrowing arteries which can further increase your blood pressure levels.

• Family history: If members in your family have a history of high blood pressure then you may be more likely genetically predisposed to developing a similar condition yourself. High cholesterol levels in parents or siblings may also be linked with hypertension so it’s important for families with this risk factor share health information together so they each know what lifestyle changes need taking into account if needed later on in life.

• Lifestyle factors: Eating an unhealthy diet filled with processed foods such as white breads or pasta not only causes weight gain but can also contribute towards increasing your risk for developing high BP too due research showing how certain dietary choices can impact coronary artery disease (CAD). In addition smoking cigarettes releases toxins which puts additional strain on the heart leading rise in pulse rate and possibly long term arterial damage if carried out regularly over time -so quitting any form nicotine usage should always be considered first before exploring pharmaceutical options for treatment if applicable . Regular exercise will keep you body active however it's important not stop exercising abruptly since sudden changes motion could lead damaging spikes intensity thus making situation worse rather than better .

• Underlying medical conditions : Pre-existing illnesses like kidney dysfunction , diabetes type 2 , sleep apnea , thyroid issues adrenal gland malfunctions all put extra stress body hence why regular checkups advised order assess whether require specific care plan adapt existing one accordingly . Furthermore certain medications birth control pills antidepressants nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs ) corticosteroids beta blockers all interplay factors connecting them possibility symptoms high BP being experienced patient

In conclusion managing hypertension requires both short term interventions e.g taking appropriate medication combined long approach reducing potential lifestyle habits while monitoring closely progress ensure any adjustments applied necessary receive optimal benefits future health quality living possible .

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Q. How can one avoid flatulence during yoga?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Flatulence during yoga can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable experience. However, there are some tips you can follow to help minimize the occurrence of flatulence during your practice!

First, avoiding foods that are known to cause gas before practicing yoga is recommended. These include things like beans, cabbage, onions, apples, and dairy products. Eating low-fiber diets several hours before practicing yoga may also help reduce or prevent flatulence during your session. Secondly, having a healthy gut microbiome is essential as it helps break down carbohydrates present in certain food items which release gases into the intestines and ultimately leading to flatulence. Incorporating probiotic supplements into your diet may be beneficial for this purpose as well.

Thirdly, deep breathing exercises should be incorporated into your practice rather than shallow breathing from the chest area - this will reduce downward pressure on the stomach which would typically cause more frequent bouts of flatulence while in postures such as Warrior III or Up Dog/Down Dog poses where core engagement comes into play. Lastly, slow but steady movements are preferred over sudden jerky motions; this will prevent too much air being trapped inside the body which could lead to eventual bloating and inflammation of the abdominal area that further contributes to increased flatulence levels when attempting deeper stretches of any kind!