Identify the Hidden Signs of Hypertension

Many Americans have been diagnosed with hypertension, and it can lead to more serious health risks, like heart attack and stroke. Not many people know or see the signs of hypertension, which can end up getting worse over time if it is left untreated. Individuals not yet diagnosed with hypertension and who are over 55 have a 90% chance of developing it. This condition can easily be detected and treated, but it is up to you to get regular checkups, so that you can nip the problem in the bud.

When you are finding out whether or not you have hypertension, the doctor will measure how much blood your heart is pumping to your arteries. If your heart is pumping a lot of blood and your arteries are fairly thin, then the higher your blood pressure level will be.

What are the signs of hypertension?

Again, many people don’t see any signs or symptoms of hypertension. Some people in the early stages of hypertension witness dull headaches, dizziness and increased nosebleeds. Most people who have these symptoms are already at a life-threatening stage of hypertension.

What causes hypertension?

To better help you prevent hypertension, it is a good idea to know what causes it. Between 90-95% of people diagnosed with hypertension have unseen causes of why they have developed the disease. These people have been diagnosed with essential hypertension or primary hypertension which has been developed over the years. The other 5-10% range of individuals with hypertension are said to have developed it due to underlying conditions. This type of hypertension is called secondary hypertension and has higher levels of blood pressure than primary hypertension. Secondary hypertension usually appears suddenly and can cause kidney abnormalities, adrenal gland tumors and congenital heart problems.

Some everyday items can also lead to secondary hypertension, such as birth control pills, decongestants, cold remedies, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs. There was a study conducted in 2005 that showed that women who took 500 mg of Tylenol (and other pills with acetaminophen) daily for several years were more likely to end up getting hypertension. It isn’t known if the same results are for men. Other hypertension culprits include cocaine and amphetamines.

Who is most likely to develop hypertension?

There are some risk factors that play a part in who develops hypertension. Age is a big factor. The older you are, the bigger your chance of developing it. It is also more common in men. Women who have gone through menopause are more likely to develop hypertension.

Individuals of African descent also tend to have hypertension and have been known to develop it at earlier ages than other ethnicities. Heart attacks and strokes are also more known to occur in people of African descent. If you have a family history of hypertension, you are more at risk of developing it then someone who doesn’t. Obesity is another factor that can cause hypertension. By having extra weight, your body will need more blood circulation, which will put a big demand on your blood vessels. This in turn causes more pressure on your artery walls, which will then result to hypertension. Smoking and not exercising can also play a part.