Hypertension definitions

Before you look into the cause of your hypertension, you need to understand the two main types of high blood pressure being primary hypertension (otherwise called essential hypertension) and secondary hypertension.

Primary hypertension

The most common form of high blood pressure is called Primary or Essential Hypertension. The main causes are genetic – the bad news is that if one or both your parents suffer from blood pressure problems, your chances of suffering from this illness increase dramatically.

A diet high in fats, bad cholesterol and salt will also increase your risks of suffering from hypertension. This type of diet also leads to increased weight problems and clogged arteries – neither condition being good for your blood pressure readings.

People who drink and smoke to excess will also increase their risk of primary hypertension. Smoking not only removes the oxygen from your blood but it also leaves a residue which clogs your arteries. Your body needs to work harder to get the blood around the system. Drinking heavily will dehydrate your body – the main component of your body is water. When you are dehydrated your arteries constrict which puts pressure on the heart muscle when it is trying to pump the blood through.

Secondary Hypertension

This is the lesser known type of high blood pressure. By virtue of its name, you can sense that usually this type of blood pressure problem is directly related to something else such as another health problem. It can also be caused as a result of taking medication not just prescription drugs but over the counter remedies and of course illegal substances.

In some women, pregnancy will cause blood pressure problems. This condition is known as pre-eclampsia and can be fatal if not properly controlled. It is because of this condition that pregnant woman are closely monitored as one of the first signs of this complication is protein in urine or an increase in blood pressure. Any pregnant woman who complains of swelling feet, headaches or changes in vision should contact their doctor immediately.

In fact, high blood pressure can be caused by a range of illnesses not least of which are diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems. If your doctor discovers increased blood pressure readings at your next exam, you are very likely to be subjected to a range of tests to discover, if possible, the exact cause and type of your hypertension.

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