3 Common Causes of High Blood Pressure

Having your blood pressure checked on a regular basis is the only way to know if you suffer from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, which has many causes and risk factors. Health experts have not found one single cause of high blood pressure but several factors can contribute to it. Here is some information on conditions that can cause high blood pressure.

High blood pressure can be caused by many things, not all of them known, but one we do know about is smoking. High blood pressure is only one of the conditions that can be caused by smoking. Smoking can block and harden the arteries, which can raise your blood pressure and put you at risk for a variety of health problems. The more you smoke, the more of a risk it is, both for high blood pressure and many other illnesses. Yet smoking at all, and even second hand smoke can pose risks as well. The good news is that no matter how old you are, you can reduce your blood pressure and improve your general health if you quit smoking.

Unfortunately, there are many instances when the cause of high blood pressure cannot be identified. Essential hypertension is the name for high blood pressure with no identifiable cause, and this actually accounts for the majority of cases.

Still, even if an exact cause isn't found, it is known that many things, such as smoking, your diet and how old you are can put you at risk for hypertension. It's important to realize that the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it tested frequently. The important thing is that, no matter what the cause, high blood pressure can be treated and managed, either by lifestyle changes alone or with the help of medication.

Did you know some foods can add to your risk for high blood pressure. One of these foods, salt, is well known for its role in hypertension which is why doctors recommend a low sodium diet. However, many nutritionists believe that lots of other foods, such as most junk foods, sugar and unhealthy fats can all contribute to high blood pressure as well. Most high blood pressure can be controlled with the right diet including vegetables and fruits. Diet is only one cause of high blood pressure, but it can be important, so it's worth making any necessary changes in this area.

There are many causes of high blood pressure and you should work with your doctor to find out why you may have developed it if you have this condition. Knowing what caused your blood pressure can be a key in figuring out how to control or even reverse it. Some of the causes of high blood pressure mentioned above may apply to you, but there are many others as well, so you have to consider your own lifestyle and medical history.

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