Blood pressure is an indicator of how much pressure is created by the flow of blood through the arteries in the body. If it is too high, it can damage the cardiovascular system. Hypertension (chronically elevated arterial blood pressure) can also increase the risk of developing certain complications, such as heart attack or stroke.
Hypertension can be primary or secondary. Most patients with arterial hypertension have primary (essential) hypertension. This means that there is no known specific cause for hypertension, and it is likely the result of the interaction of several factors, including genetics, age, lifestyle and diet. About 5 percent to 10 percent of patients with high blood pressure have secondary hypertension. It can be attributed to a specific cause, such as hypothyroidism. In the rest of the text, learn more about which factors are associated with the development of arterial hypertension.
1. Obesity
Being overweight or obese can cause high blood pressure and can also worsen existing hypertension. This is because excess fat causes changes in the human body. Being overweight can change the way the body uses insulin. This can lead to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes - another risk factor for the development of arterial hypertension. If you are overweight or obese, losing 2 percent to 3 percent of your body weight can reduce your risk of developing heart disease and hypertension.
2. Lack of physical activity
Lack of physical activity can negatively affect mental health and lead to disorders such as anxiety and depression, and these conditions can lead to excess body weight. Exercise can help you maintain an adequate body weight or lose weight if needed. It can have a positive effect on your blood pressure and give you more energy and a sense of well-being.
3. Salt intake
A 2019 study found that a moderate reduction in sodium intake can lower blood pressure. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States of America suggests limiting salt intake to 2.300 mg per day, or about one teaspoon, for people over 14 years of age. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests an even lower limit - of 2.000 mg of sodium per day.
4. alcohol
Heavy consumption (abuse) of alcohol can harm general health, including the health of the cardiovascular system. This behavior can contribute to the onset or worsening of hypertension. It can also increase the risk of developing diabetes and several types of malignancy. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting alcohol consumption to two drinks a day for men and one for women.
But even moderate alcohol consumption has its downsides. A 2019 study of more than 17.000 people suggests that moderate alcohol consumption (7 to 13 drinks per week) can significantly increase the risk of developing hypertension. A 2020 study also found a strong link between moderate alcohol consumption and high blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes.
5. Caffeine
According to the AHA, caffeine is not to blame for high blood pressure unless you consume too much of it. The AHA also acknowledges the existence of a possible link between drinking coffee and a lower risk of developing chronic diseases, such as malignancies and heart disease.
Drinking 3 to 4 cups of coffee a day is safe for most patients with high blood pressure, according to a 2017 review of studies and a 2021 study. However, caffeine consumption beyond this limit can lead to anxiety and heart palpitations. The FDA suggests a daily limit of 400 mg of caffeine for healthy adults.
6. Smoking
Smoking can lead to a number of disorders, including heart attack, stroke, lung disease and several cancers. However, the link between hypertension and smoking is still not entirely clear. However, smoking leads to temporary spikes in blood pressure. It also contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, i.e. hardening of the arteries. Hardened arteries cause an increase in blood pressure. If you smoke, the AHA recommends that you quit as soon as possible.
7. Medicines
Medicines that can increase your blood pressure include:
• steroids
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• decongestants
• antipsychotics
• contraceptives
If you have high blood pressure, it is best to discuss any medications you are taking with your healthcare provider.
8. Lack of sleep
According to data from reference scientific research, most people over the age of 18 need at least 7 hours of sleep a night for optimal health. Lack of sleep can affect your health, especially if you have high blood pressure. When you sleep, your blood pressure drops and your body rests. If you have insomnia or other sleep problems, your body is deprived of these positive effects of sleep.
9. Age
The risk of high blood pressure increases with age because the human body's vascular system, or network of blood vessels, changes as you age. Arteries can become stiffer, leading to an increase in blood pressure. This is true even for people with healthy lifestyle habits.
10. Genetics
If your parents have hypertension, you are more likely to develop it as well. Genetic factors can be identified in 30% to 60% of people who have inadequately controlled blood pressure. Some genetic variants can lead to syndromes characterized by high blood pressure, including:
• hyperaldosteronism
• Gordon's syndrome
• Lidl's syndrome.
However, it is not yet known how much a family history of the disease increases the risk. More research is needed on this topic.
How can I prevent high blood pressure?
• Do regular physical activity.
• Do not smoke.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Maintain adequate body weight.
• Eat a balanced diet low in sodium.
• As much as possible, reduce stress.
What do the numbers mean?
Blood pressure is measured using a blood pressure cuff and recorded as a fraction, for example: 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Blood pressure is usually measured in the upper arm via the brachial artery.
The first and highest number is called the systolic pressure. It is the pressure that the heart creates when it ejects blood and, as already said, it represents the pressure of the blood on the walls of the arteries. The second, smaller number is called the diastolic pressure. This is the pressure in the arteries that occurs as the heart fills and rests between beats.
Blood pressure values
Normal blood pressure: systolic <120 and diastolic <80;
High blood pressure: systolic 120-129 and diastolic <80;
The first stage of hypertension (mild form): systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89;
The second stage of hypertension (severe form): systolic >139 or diastolic >89.
Symptoms of hypertension
- Headache;
- Vertigo;
- Blurred vision;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Chest pain;
- Shortness of breath;
- Weakness
Advice
By reducing your sodium intake, your blood pressure will also decrease. Fast and processed foods contain high amounts of sodium. Many over-the-counter medications also contain high amounts of sodium. Your first step can be to pay a little more attention to the foods you buy, make sure to read the energy value and thus reduce your salt intake. Also, when cooking and preparing daily meals, use a minimum amount of salt (avoid adding salt when cooking pasta, potatoes, etc.). The recommended daily intake of salt is 5 g!
Read about all these and other topics important for the health of the whole family on Thursday, December 29 in the Health supplement, free only with Vijesti.
Bonus video:
