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.
While not causes of high blood pressure per se, as this eMedTV article explains, factors such as smoking or diabetes can increase a person's risk of developing this condition. Other possible high blood pressure causes include gender and race.
In most cases, it takes several years for hypertension to cause noticeable high blood pressure symptoms. This page on the eMedTV site describes symptoms of high blood pressure 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 taking blood pressure readings, it's important to get at least two readings -- taken at least two minutes apart -- and average the results.
This eMedTV article offers tips for how to lower blood pressure through lifestyle changes. For example, quitting smoking or losing weight can help lower blood pressure; medications may be prescribed when lifestyle changes alone are not enough.
Calcium channel blockers and nervous system inhibitors are just two of the types of blood pressure medication available. This page on the eMedTV site provides detailed information about medications for high blood pressure.
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 eMedTV segment discusses exercise and high blood pressure and includes a sample walking plan. Studies on the effects of exercise and high blood pressure show that exercise can lower blood pressure, regardless of the type, intensity, or duration.
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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