People with an average blood pressure reading of more than 140/90 have high blood pressure. This section of the eMedTV library explains high blood pressure in detail, including types, 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 what causes high blood pressure is known.
You don't need to show physical symptoms of high blood pressure to have hypertension. This segment of the eMedTV archives details physical symptoms of high blood pressure that normally only develop after several years, such as headaches and nausea.
Two numbers are recorded when measuring blood pressure, one appearing over the other. This eMedTV page provides a step-by-step look at measuring blood pressure, including the device used and when each number (systolic and diastolic) is recorded.
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 lower blood pressure using medications.
Types of high blood pressure medication discussed in this eMedTV article include ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and beta-blockers. Other types of high blood pressure medication include vasodilators and calcium channel blockers.
The effects of high blood pressure are most often felt in the brain, kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. This page on the eMedTV website describes the effects of high blood pressure on these vital organs in more detail.
This eMedTV article highlights the effects high blood pressure has on health. For example, studies on high blood pressure and health have shown that preventing hypertension reduces the chances of developing serious conditions, such as stroke.
High blood pressure prevention strategies include following a healthy diet, drinking less alcohol, and exercising. This eMedTV article highlights the benefits of high blood pressure prevention 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 that lower blood pressure, such as whole grains, fish, and vegetables.
This page of the eMedTV website explains the link between high blood pressure and exercise. For example, studies on high blood pressure and exercise show that people can see a significant drop in blood pressure when they engage in physical activity.
There are both good and bad effects from drinking alcohol, and blood pressure can be adversely effected, as this eMedTV page explains. 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.
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