The Truth Behind High Blood Pressure & How to Beat It

Your health should be your number one priority. Learning about any health issues you may have and how to treat or deal with them should be at the top of your list. If you know that you have high blood pressure, you should definitely study up on its risks how to you can treat it. Or, if you don't have it and are concerned about getting it, you should know the best ways to prevent it.

The Facts

High blood pressure is high pressure tension in the arteries, which are the vessels that carry your blood from the heart to the rest of the body. 

Over time, if the force of the blood flow is often high, the tissue that makes up the walls of arteries gets stretched beyond its healthy limit and damage occurs.

Risks

Complications of high blood pressure include heart disease, kidney disease, hardening of the arteries, stroke, and eye damage. 

Causes

• High salt intake - Higher salt intake can affect people who are elderly or overweight even more than the general 
• Abnormality in the arteries.
• Genetic predisposition - If one or both of your parents have high blood pressure, you are more likely to have it as well.
• Poor Diet - A high level of salt, caffeine, and fatty foods can contribute to high blood pressure.
• Smoking - The nicotine in cigarettes will cause your blood pressure to raise as well as your heart rate.

Treatment

• Quit Smoking - Quitting smoking can help prevent high blood pressure and a number of other health risks. Cutting the butts can save your life, not to mention others around you.
• Exercise - A daily dose of exercise will strengthen your heart, which will ultimately let it pump more blood with less effort. The less your heart has to work, the more your blood pressure can lower.
• Weight Loss - Your blood pressure will rise as your body weight rises, so it's only in your best interest to lose some weight if you know you are at risk. 
• Avoid Alcohol - Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure levels. Cutting back on alcohol and switching them out for a healthier option such as a glass of water will help your health and blood pressure level ten-fold.
• Low-Sodium & Low-Fat Diet - Maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can help lower your blood pressure. To reduce the sodium level in your diet, don't add salt to your food and read the labels and look for lower sodium levels than your usual intake.