People with an average blood pressure reading of more than 140/90 have high blood pressure. This section of the eMedTV library explains this condition in detail, including the different types, how it is diagnosed, causes, and treatment options.
Risk factors, as this eMedTV resource explains, are not actual high blood pressure causes. However, they can increase a person's chance of developing hypertension. Other possible causes of the disease include obesity, smoking, and diabetes.
In most cases, it takes several years for hypertension to cause noticeable symptoms. This page on the eMedTV Web site describes high blood pressure symptoms in more detail, such as nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
This eMedTV page describes the process of taking blood pressure readings, including the devices used. When your blood pressure is being measured, it's important to get at least two readings -- taken at least two minutes apart -- and average the results.
Lifestyle changes that may lower high blood pressure include losing weight and reducing salt intake. This eMedTV page provides other suggestions for high blood pressure control, such as drinking less alcohol and exercising more.
This section of the eMedTV library identifies the different types of blood pressure medicine and explains how they help treat hypertension, including ACE inhibitors, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, vasodilators, and beta blockers.
High blood pressure can result in problems that affect the brain, kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. This eMedTV Web page describes the effects of high blood pressure on these vital organs in more detail.
This eMedTV article shows how your health can be affected by high blood pressure. For example, studies have shown that preventing hypertension reduces the chances of developing serious conditions, such as stroke.
This eMedTV selection explains how you can help prevent high blood pressure through strategies such as following a healthy diet and exercising more. This article highlights the benefits of these methods in reducing the risk of conditions like stroke.
As this eMedTV article explains, combining foods that lower blood pressure can have the same effect as blood pressure medicine. The DASH diet contains foods such as whole grains, fish, and vegetables; it calls for a reduction in salt, fat, and sugar.
This eMedTV page explains the link between exercise and high blood pressure reduction. For example, studies show that 30 minutes of exercise 3 days a week is enough exercise to bring about a drop in blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure, you may be wondering if alcohol consumption is a good idea. This eMedTV article explains that while moderate drinking may be fine, alcohol can increase side effects of blood pressure medicine.
Does smoking cause high blood pressure? While smoking does not cause high blood pressure directly, as this eMedTV article explains, people who smoke are at an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
