High blood pressure is a condition that occurs when the blood travels through the body and the heart with too much force. This excess force puts strain on the heart and also damages arteries and blood vessels. Over time, high blood pressure can lead to heart failure, heart attack and stroke.
Significance
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 32 percent of all Americans over the age of 20 have high blood pressure.
Types
According to the American Heart Association, the cause of high blood pressure is not known in 90 percent of cases; this is called primary hypertension. In about 10 percent of cases, high blood pressure is caused by an underlying condition; this is known as secondary hypertension. Causes of secondary hypertension can include drug use, kidney abnormalities, adrenal tumors, structural problems affecting the aorta, and significant narrowing of certain arteries throughout the body.
Risk Factors
Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing high blood pressure. African-Americans are particularly at risk for developing high blood pressure. Also, individuals with a family history of high blood pressure are more likely to develop the condition. Other risk factors include obesity, inactivity, tobacco use and a high-sodium diet.
Symptoms
High blood pressure often does not cause any symptoms. Extremely high blood pressure can cause headaches, dizziness and nosebleeds.
Treatment
Primary hypertension sometimes can be treated by lifestyle changes such as weight loss, regular exercise and stress management. In many cases, prescription medications also are needed to control primary hypertension. Secondary hypertension usually is treated by correcting the underlying medical conditions causing the rise in blood pressure.
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