Friday, November 9, 2012

Identifying the Causes of High Blood Pressure

By Mark Stephens


Lots of people have high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension, and while there are many causes and risk factors, the only way to be sure if you have this condition is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Health experts have not found one single cause of high blood pressure but several factors can contribute to it. In this article, we'll be examining some of the conditions that can cause high blood pressure.

One such cause is being overweight. Obesity is the leading cause of high blood pressure in developed countries which have seen a sharp rise in cases. High blood pressure for an overweight person can be a warning sign to other health problems too. One way to reduce risk is to start an exercise regimen and change your diet.

People whose blood pressure is high often have high cholesterol as well, so you should pay attention to your cholesterol levels. There are two types of cholesterol you have to pay attention to, often called good and bad cholesterol. Heart disease and high blood pressure are caused by bad, or LDL cholesterol, which blocks your arteries.

Taking prescribed, over the counter or illegal drugs can also increase your blood pressure. It's common knowledge that high blood pressure can be caused by using cocaine and other illegal drugs. Many drugs that are prescribed, such as for depression or birth control, can also cause hypertension. Some people even have their blood pressure elevated by taking various OTC substances, including nasal decongestants. If you are prone to high blood pressure, then, research any medication you take and always read the labels.

While many factors can cause high blood pressure, the important thing is to watch it and take steps to lower it. You should keep track of your blood pressure and ask your doctor for advice on how to control it. The above causes of high blood pressure are only some of the factors that can be responsible for this condition. When you know you have high blood pressure, there are many methods to reduce it, but you have to be willing to make some changes.




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