Hypertension Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Tom Howell of New Orleans couldn't believe it. Dr. Reid at the New Orleans Urgent Care Center broke the bad news. He had high blood pressure.

Tom had a good excuse. After all, as an advertising manager in Schlitz Brewing, he certainly had his share of stress. And, let's not even talk about the cigarette.

According to Dr. Reid just being male was a major factor. The fact that he was 45 certainly didn't help.

Unfortunately, arterial hypertension rarely causes any symptoms until it has caused arteriosclerosis. In fact, high blood pressure can be incredibly severe before there are any symptoms.

Your blood pressure goes up and down throughout the day. If you swim a few laps your pressure will go up. Even if you just see a violent scene on television you will see a rise in your blood pressure.

If you took your blood pressure right after that, it would read high, but not be important.

Things you eat, drink and smoke can also increase your blood pressure. Caffeine drinks like coffee orenergy drinks will do the same. Nicotine from chewing tobacco stimulates the heart to increase your pressure as well.

You may think that alcohol relaxes you, but the long term effects of all those alcohol, cocktails, and liquers drinks take their toll as well.

Spending too much time in your favorite recliner instead of getting some exercise increases your chances of blood pressure problems.

Fortunately, there are many places you can get your blood pressure checked today. Many stores and pharmacies have automatic blood pressure machines you can use. Just sit down for a couple minutes and get it checked. If you pressure is up slightly three different times, you should see a doctor. If it is over about 160 just once, you should also seek medical advice.

Rest makes your blood pressure go down. Because of that, the best time to take your blood pressure is after a peaceful period.

But, back to Tom. His family history made a big difference in his high blood pressure. He had a father who died at age 56 of a heart attack. Genetics can really increase your chances of needing treatment for high blood pressure.

Fortunately, these days, there is a lot you can do to decrease high blood pressure.

Changing your diet will definitely help. You will improve your blood pressure as well as your overall health by increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. You should get regular exercise, lots of water and a good night's sleep. If you can stop using tobacco and limit or cut out your alcohol altogether that will help a great deal.

If you don't completely normalize your blood pressure by those means, many different medications are available today that will help. You will want to find a physician that you can work with on keeping your pressure normal.