High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps, and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. You can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms. Even without symptoms, damage to blood vessels and your heart continues. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.

There are Two Types of High Blood Pressure

1. Primary Hypertension
   For most adults, there’s no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure tends to develop gradually over many years.
   
   
2. Secondary Hypertension
   Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension.

Conditions and Medications that can lead to Secondary Hypertension

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Kidney problems
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Thyroid problems
• Certain congenital defects you’re born with
• Certain medications, such as, birth control, cold remedies, decongestants, over the counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs
• Illegal drug use

Risk Factors

• Too much salt (sodium) in your diet
• Too little potassium in your diet
• Drinking too much alcohol
• High levels of stress can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure
• Certain chronic conditions also may increase your risk

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to complications, including:

• Heart attack or stroke
• Aneurysm
• Heart failure
• Weakened and narrowed blood vessels in your kidneys
• Thickened, narrowed or torn blood vessels in the eyes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Trouble with memory or understanding
• Dementia