If you are wondering what causes high blood pressure, then there are a lot of things that can potentially lead to this condition. For example, if you are hypertensive and do not take medication for your condition, then you should know that hypertension is often caused by other underlying conditions. If you do not have a history of hypertension before, then it is important to talk to your doctor about it. However, before talking to the doctor, you should make an effort to educate yourself on the disease and why it can lead to further health complications if left untreated.
One of the major reasons that can lead to a condition like essential hypertension is stress. High stress levels can not only reduce the health benefits of a healthy diet, but can also increase the risks of heart attack and stroke. Therefore, it is important for those who are already at risk for hypertension to learn how to manage their stress. This can be done in many ways such as reducing the amount of salt consumed, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and even meditating to relax.
Another common cause of essential hypertension is excessive sodium intake. Sodium is found in many foods including canned vegetables and soup, and can greatly contribute to the symptoms of high blood pressure. While many may consider lowering their sodium intake through diet and exercise, this can be very difficult for those who already suffer from pre-existing conditions that can lead to symptoms such as a salt craving. Therefore, it is important to discuss with your doctor the best way to avoid this symptom of hypertension.
Sleep apnea is another factor that can be used in the diagnosis of essential hypertension. Those who suffer from sleep apnea are more likely to be at risk for the disease than others. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that occurs when you stop breathing for short intervals during your sleep. If you have sleep apnea, your body will over react in an attempt to conserve energy by increasing the heart rate in order to pump more oxygenated blood around your body. If left untreated, the increased heart rate will eventually cause essential hypertension.
Other factors such as stress, anxiety and depression can also contribute to the development of hypertension. Stress is known to cause changes in the levels of hormones in the body such as cortisol which is known to contribute to the development of arteriosclerosis. Anxiety and depression both have similar effects on the body as well with the potential to cause blood pressure problems. Depression in particular is known to elevate stress hormones which in turn elevate blood pressure.
If you want to reduce stress, make sure you find ways to alleviate tension in your life. This can include reducing your salt intake and smoking if you are a smoker, exercising regularly and getting regular exercise. Taking medication should be the last thing to do when you feel stressed out, as taking medication can have undesired side effects including the development of hypertension.