Answered by SecondMedic Expert
General Physician · General Physician
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a medical condition caused by an increase in the force of your blood against your artery walls. It can have serious long-term consequences if not treated properly and can be caused by factors such as poor lifestyle habits, genetics, age, kidney problems, hormone imbalances and even certain medications like birth control.
The most common cause of hypertension is lifestyle related which includes physical activity levels (or lack thereof), eating too much salt/ processed food or being overweight/obese. People who don't get enough exercise tend to have higher rates of hypertension compared to those who engage in regular physical activities. Additionally ,a diet that's high in sodium can contribute to an increased risk for hypertension since it causes your body to retain water which then increases water volume inside your arteries thereby increasing the amount of pressure on them resulting in higher blood pressure readings. Finally , excessive weight gain has been associated with greater risk for developing hypertension as extra weight places more strain on the arterial walls leading to elevated pressures when the heart pumps out blood resulting in elevated readings when taken at a doctor’s office or pharmacy.
There are also other medical causes that may be attributed to some individuals including diabetes mellitus (especially type 1 diabetes) due its effect on interfering with nerve communication resulting in narrowing or elasticity issues within arteries; chronic kidney disease because damage from it affects how our bodies process minerals like potassium or sodium thereby leading to abnormal levels found while measuring our BP; endocrine disorders as hormonal imbalances like thyroidism/hyperthyroidism can influence vascular contraction causing an increase if hormones become too high; and finally pregnancy since many women experience temporary elevation during this period due cardiovascular changes their body need go through for successful gestation period .It is important for any person experiencing symptoms associated with hypertension such as headaches , dizziness blurred vision etc..to consult their physician immediately so that proper diagnosis and treatment can be given . This could include dietary modification along with medication depending upon individual presentation following evaluation from healthcare professional .
