A blood pressure reading measures the amount of pressure blood places upon the blood vessels during circulation. A blood pressure test reads one number over the other and is read like a fraction. The top number (systolic) reads the highest amount of force placed upon the blood vessels. The bottom number (diastolic) measures the lowest amount of force placed upon the blood vessels. Persistent elevated blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure and aneurysm.
Obesity
Obese individuals are five times more likely to suffer from hypertension. The obese body causes the heart to have to work harder to perform simple tasks. The prolonged elevated heart rate, combined with poor diet and lack of exercise, places tremendous pressure on the heart and blood vessels.
Sodium Toxicity
A diet high in sodium can cause elevated blood pressure. Excess sodium in the system causes the blood to become heavy, placing greater force upon the blood vessels.
Genetics
A family history of hypertension increases the odds of an individual suffering from high blood pressure. Like most diseases, high blood pressure stems from a combination of nature and nurture.
Age
Advanced age can be a cause of high blood pressure. The blood vessels stiffen with age. When the arteries become rigid, blood must be pumped more forcefully through the body, creating elevated blood pressure.
Stress
Prolonged stress becomes a factor in hypertension. Stress causes the body to release the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones elevate the heart rate, and the consistently elevated heart rate places excess pressure on the blood vessels.
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