High Blood Pressure
Symptoms, Care and Treatment

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension,  is a condition in which the pressure of the blood against the inside walls of blood vessels is higher than it should be. High blood pressure is a very serious disorder that must be controlled in order to enjoy a long, healthy life. 

The best way to find out whether you have high blood pressure is to visit your doctor, homeopath, naturopath or other health care provider. Since high blood pressure has been extensively researched, it is actually one of the easiest diseases to diagnose. High blood pressure levels are detected using a blood pressure monitoring device called a Sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure is considered high when the reading is 140/90 mmHg or above when taken on two or more occasions. Once your high blood pressure is diagnosed, your doctor may want to see you often until it is under control -- every one to four weeks. High blood pressure is serious and even life-threatening. So it's important that it is detected and kept under control.

High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because people don't know they have high blood pressure until they go for a routine check-up or a very severe problem arises, such as swelling, sudden weight gain, and kidney problems. . About 1% of people with high blood pressure do not seek medical care until the high blood pressure is very severe -- also called malignant hypertension. High blood pressure is so very dangerous because it doesn't give any warning signs or symptoms.

 In 90 to 95 percent of cases, the cause of high blood pressure is unknown.  This type of high blood pressure is known as essential hypertension. In some people, high blood pressure is the result of another medical problem, such as heart or kidney disease, or medication.

High blood pressure effects people of all ages and races. However, the illness is more common among African-Americans than other groups.

What are the effects and consequences if high blood pressure is left untreated? Uncontrolled high blood pressure is indirectly responsible for many deaths and disabilities resulting from heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Monitoring blood pressure at home. I believe anyone who has high blood pressure should monitor it at home, and not wait to have it checked during visits to your doctor's office. By monitoring your blood pressure at home, you can confirm whether you have high blood pressure and keep track of the effects of your medication.

Treatment of  high blood pressure. The course of treatment for high blood pressure is usually four pronged: regular exercise, including aerobics, weight reduction, healthy salt restricted diet, and medications.

In conclusion, high blood pressure is a serious health problem that affects 35 million Americans or one out of every six people, and controlling it  is a lifelong commitment. High blood pressure is a problem that won't go away without treatment. It is important to be committed to taking your medication every day and making the necessary lifestyle changes. When high blood pressure is treated adequately, the prognosis for a productive life is favorable.

For more information about high blood pressure, its causes, symptoms and treatments, see:

Blood Pressure Medications - A Concise Guide
Control High Blood Pressure - Reduce BP | Use Protein Dietary Supplements
Coffee and High Blood Pressure - Effects of Caffeine on BP
Managing High Blood Pressure - Tips to Save Your Life
Reduce High Blood Pressure - Try Exercise and Diet Changes
High Blood Pressure - Lower Pressure With Simple Life Changes
Herbs for High Blood Pressure - Include BP Lowering Herbs Daily
Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure Resource Site
High Blood Pressure Information and Helpful Sources