Many are times elevated blood pressure is considered to be normal making it difficult to diagnose high bp. For instance, physical activity and stressful conditions can raise it temporarily. It then returns to normal when the stress goes away. This temporary increase in blood pressure due to pain, stress or anxiety is not considered hypertension. Hence, high bp is not diagnosed with just one high blood pressure reading. A diagnosis of hypertension is made only when a person has multiple readings over a period of time. A family history of hypertension might suggest a genetic predisposition for hypertension. High blood pressure can also damage the blood vessels in the eyes, and therefore the eyes can be examined with an instrument called a ophthalmoscope. In this test, the doctor looks for thickening, narrowing or bleeding in the blood vessels.
Your body is a complex operation, sometimes it’s easy to identify the causes of high blood pressure within it, other times not so easy. But it is important to have it diagnosed because it can cause other more harmful problems. You are more likely to avoid the causes if you know what they are.
Some people with adrenal or thyroid disorders develop high blood pressure, and if these conditions aren’t managed it can contribute to hypertension. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, is often a cause of high blood pressure. Problems in the adrenal gland can also cause your high blood pressure. A number of symptoms can be associated with these conditions such as fatigue, weight gain, and joint pain. People don’t often realize they have these conditions for a large amount of time due to the fact that they can only be detected with medical tests. Treatment usually consists of prescription medication.
Certain long-term illnesses can raise your risk of developing high blood pressure. Kidney disease, especially in older people, is a common cause of high blood pressure. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can also bring about high blood pressure, as this disease often causes damage to the kidneys. If either kidney disease or diabetes is common in your family, you are at a greater risk of developing them. If you have been diagnosed with either diabetes or any kind of kidney disease, your doctor should be monitoring your blood pressure and may even prescribe medication to help manage it.
Certain types of food can contribute to high blood pressure. Salt, for example, is known for causing hypertension. Hypertension can be caused by other foods too such as sugar and high-fat foods. You can control this by eating more fruit and vegetables. While your diet is one cause there are others.No matter what is causing hypertension, you should not underestimate how dangerous it can be. You should keep track of your blood pressure and ask your doctor for advice on how to control it. The causes and elements related to high blood pressure are varied, and we’ve only had room to cover a few of them. You can find a way to control your blood pressure, and with the help of your doctor you can figure out a plan that will lead to a healthier future.