Tuesday, 2 June 2015

What causes high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which carry the blood throughout the body. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, and to the development of heart failure.

What Is "Normal" Blood Pressure?

A blood pressure reading has a top number (systolic) and bottom number (diastolic). The ranges are:

    Normal: Less than 120 over 80 (120/80)
    Prehypertension: 120-139 over 80-89
    Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159 over 90-99
    Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above over 100 and above
    High blood pressure in people over age 60: 150 and above over 90 and above

Source : www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/blood-pressure-causes

Primary (essential) hypertension

For most adults, there's no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure, called essential hypertension or primary hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years.
Secondary hypertension

Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension. Various conditions and medications can lead to secondary hypertension, including:

    Kidney problems
    Adrenal gland tumors
    Thyroid problems
    Certain defects in blood vessels you're born with (congenital)
    Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs
    Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
    Alcohol abuse or chronic alcohol use
    Obstructive sleep apnea


Source : www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/basics/causes/con-20019580

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