High Blood Pressure: Signs Symptoms Causes

High blood pressure or hypertension affects nearly 65 million adults in the United States. Once considered an adult disease, signs of high blood pressure affects 3% of kids .  Essential hypertension is considered a North American Disease, as it is more prevalent in developed countries where the Standard American Diet (SAD) is consumed and is almost non existent in developing countries.

What causes high blood pressure or hypertension has changed theories over the years. According to Dr. Marz ¹ there are two types of hypertension; essential hypertension, specific casual factors are unknown and the secondary hypertension which can be traced to various agents or conditions. Those agents have been identified as causative factors such as:

Although most professionals say it is a silent disease with no symptoms, there are some symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, fatigue, restlessness, difficulty breathing, insomnia, intestinal complaints. In advance states; cardiovascular disease, heart, kidney and brain damage may occur from chronic high blood pressure.

The Heart and High Blood pressure

The human heart beats on average 70 times per minute, 100,000 times a day. With each heartbeat about 2.5 ouncez of blood are pumped through the heart; 1,980 gallons each day².  Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries, veins and the chambers of the heart as it is pumped through the body with each heart beat. Blood pressure is highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood; this is systolic pressure. When the heart is at rest, between beats, blood pressure falls; this is diastolic pressure. When you visit the doctor and you have your blood pressure taken with the arm cuff, it is this action that gives the health care provider your blood pressure reading. These two numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressures, are written one above or before the other falls into the falling category according to Medline Plus:

• 120/80 or lower is normal blood pressure
• 140/90 or higher is high blood pressure
• Between 120 and 139 for the top number, or between 80 and 89 for the bottom number is pre-hypertension

High Blood pressure occurs due to a strain on the heart, which can arise from many different factors, such as those previous suggested as well as family history, kidney problems, obesity, hypothyroidism, atherosclerosis, nutrient deficiencies such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, essential fatty acids, Coenzyme Q10, food sensitivities, lead, cadmium or vitamin E toxicity, hypoglycemia or diabetes, stress, environmental factors (home, office) and emotional outlook on life.

If you are suffering with hypertension it is worth investigating possible underlying cause(s) and pulling and removing the stressors that may be causing high blood pressure so that you can lead a healthier lifestyle and prevent high blood pressure in the future.

Next article: How to Lower High Blood Pressure Naturally; fibre water and salt

Reference:

1. Medical Nutrition from Marz 2^nd Edition, Russell B. Marz, N.D., M.Ac.O.M, Naturopathic Physician. Omni-Press
2. MichiganAlternative Medicine The Definitive Guide 2^nd Edition, Larry Trivieri, Jr., John W. Anderson Alternativemedicine.com Celestial Arts, Berkeley Toronto

Featured Photos: Sanja Gjenero RGBStock.com

The information provided in this article has not been approved by the FDA and is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. This article is not recommending changing any treatment or medication you are taking without consulting with your personal physician or qualified health care practitioner. Before implementing any suggestions seen here please consult with your physician or qualified health care practitioner