High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition characterized by elevated force exerted by the blood against the walls of arteries over a prolonged period. This condition has the potential to result in a range of health issues, such as heart disease. Blood pressure depends on the volume of blood pumped by the heart and the resistance encountered by blood flow in the arteries. If the heart pumps an excessive amount of blood or if the arteries are narrow, high blood pressure can result.

While blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, it can pose serious health risks if consistently elevated. High blood pressure is a prevalent health issue, affecting approximately 1 in 3 Americans, which equates to around 75 million individuals.

Causes of High Blood Pressure
The precise origins of high blood pressure are not comprehensively comprehended. However, several risk factors are known to contribute to its development:

• Age: The risk of high blood pressure tends to increase with age.
• Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise habits, can influence blood pressure levels.
• Family history: Having a family history of high blood pressure increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
• Obesity: Excess weight places additional demands on the circulatory system, leading to increased blood pressure.
• Lack of physical activity: Insufficient exercise can result in a higher heart rate and greater strain on the arteries during blood circulation.
• Stress: High levels of stress can elevate blood pressure.
• Tobacco use: Smoking raises blood pressure temporarily and damages the arterial lining, potentially causing narrowing and increased pressure.
• Pregnancy
• Menopause

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Many individuals with high blood pressure remain unaware of their condition due to the absence of noticeable symptoms, earning it the label of the "silent killer." However, once blood pressure reaches 180/120 mm Hg, symptoms may manifest, such as:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Blurred vision
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness

Reducing the Risk of High Blood Pressure
To maintain normal blood pressure levels, the following measures can be taken: regular exercise to promote cardiovascular health, routine monitoring of blood pressure, adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, abstaining from smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress effectively.

Treatment Options
Managing high blood pressure can involve the following approaches:

• Regular exercise
• Stress reduction: Employing strategies to avoid or cope with stress.
• Medication: Certain medications may be prescribed by a doctor to help lower high blood pressure.

If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to various complications, including stroke, heart attack, aneurysm, heart failure, dementia, and narrowed or weakened blood vessels. Therefore, seeking proper medical care and adhering to treatment plans is crucial.

Diagnosing high blood pressure involves a review of medical history, physical examinations, and blood pressure measurements using an inflatable cuff. Multiple readings are typically taken at different appointments before a diagnosis is confirmed. Monitoring blood pressure at home throughout the day may also be recommended by the doctor.

Reference:
https://f2fmedical.com/blog/f/suffering-from-high-blood-pressure