What Causes High Blood Pressure? You Should Know About This

The force exerted by the blood on the arterial walls while flowing from one organ to another is measured as blood pressure (BP). The optimal level of for a healthy adult is about 120/80 mm Hg. However, this level may suffer a dip or rise, owing to lifestyle habits, stress, and other changes in the body. Just as low BP is unhealthy, similarly, a high BP or hypertension can also prove to be risky. A person suffering from hypertension may show the figure as 140/90 mm Hg on a sphygmomanometer, a medical instrument used for measuring blood pressure. If this level rises suddenly, it can be a cause of grave concern, since it may also be an indication for some unhealthy disorders in the body. One of the best ways to prevent this is to go for a routine analysis to a doctor.

List of Causes

The reasons for this condition in women and men are almost similar, i.e., it is experienced due to an increase in the force exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels. There are several other reasons, a few of which are listed below. 

• One of the most common reasons is anxiety and stress. Episodes of anxiety and stressful conditions can cause your BP to increase suddenly. When the body undergoes stress or anxiety, certain hormones are released that make the heart pump faster, due to constriction of the blood vessels.
• Another cause for momentary increase can be due to severe pain as a result of injuries. Sudden, stabbing pain can pump up the BP, as well as increase in the heart rate.
• Pregnancy is one of the factors for experiencing this condition as well. It can be felt due to some complications like pre-eclampsia. This condition, due to fluid retention, can result when the body is unable to regulate pressure, which may result in fluctuations in the BP levels and lead to high BP during pregnancy.
• Over-consumption of salt can also be one of the vital reasons. Excessive sodium intake may be because of eating too many processed foods and even because of junk food.
• Weight issues like obesity is also responsible for the drastic increase. Since fat gets clogged in the blood vessels, insufficient blood is supplied to the heart. The heart needs to work extra to suffice the requirement of blood throughout the body, as a result of which there is a sudden rise.
• A few other causes can be due to hormonal imbalances, excess caffeine intake, drug interactions, and the presence of kidney disease. Elevation is commonly noticed in patients undergoing dialysis.
• According to a recent research, some doctors have observed that genetics also plays a crucial role when it comes to noticing high blood pressure. Individuals who have a family history of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases are at a higher risk of contraction them when compared to others who have no previous history.

Symptoms

A close observation of the signs and symptoms of this problem will be indicative of the presence of this health disorder. Given below are some of the signs for noticing a spike in the normal level.

• Sweating profusely
• Unable to stand or sit for a longer time
• Shortness of breath or shallow breathing
• A rapid increase in heartbeats
• Dizziness and fainting spells
• Feeling sleepy all the time
• Blurred vision, and episodes of blackout
• Nosebleeds
• Unable to concentrate
• Tinnitus, or ringing in either or both the ears
• Nausea induced vomiting
• Lethargy

Remedies 

Lowering high BP is a must in order to avoid complications which may be life-threatening and also cause fatality in some cases. 

• Staying away from stress and anxiety will prove to be helpful. One of the best treatments without any side effects is practising meditation and yoga.
• A change in the lifestyle and following a proper exercise regimen will also help.
• There are also several natural remedies to prevent it from increasing again.
• Following a proper diet will also help.

Awareness regarding the dangers of this problem is always productive in avoiding its occurrence. Whatever be the reason, it is essential to regularly monitor the levels so that a rise or drop can be identified and prompt treatment provided.