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.
As this eMedTV page explains, what causes high blood pressure is often unknown, but a diet high in fat or salt can increase a person's risk of developing hypertension. Secondary hypertension is diagnosed when the cause of the condition is known.
You don't need to show physical symptoms of high blood pressure to have hypertension. This segment of the eMedTV archives discusses symptoms (such as headaches and nausea) that normally only develop after several years of having high blood pressure.
Two numbers are recorded when measuring blood pressure, one appearing over the other. This eMedTV page provides a step-by-step look at how blood pressure is recorded, including the device used and how systolic and diastolic pressures are read.
This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at how to lower blood pressure through such lifestyle changes as quitting smoking, losing weight, and exercising more. Also discussed is how to reduce high blood pressure using certain medications.
Types of high blood pressure medication discussed in this eMedTV article include ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and beta blockers. Additional medications used in the treatment of hypertension include vasodilators and calcium channel 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 page of the eMedTV Web site explores the link between exercise and high blood pressure. For example, studies on high blood pressure show that people can see a significant drop in blood pressure when they engage in physical activity.
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.
