Blood pressure refers to the force of blood against the walls of arteries. Generally, the heart generates most of this pressure as it pumps blood throughout the circulatory system. Elevated blood pressure levels can significantly increase the likelihood of developing health problems, including heart disease and strokes. In this post, we will explore some of the most common causes and symptoms of high blood pressure and provide actionable tips on managing and preventing this condition.

Signs and symptoms
Generally, no symptoms or warning signs are associated with high blood pressure. Hence, so many individuals are oblivious that they have it. Only by measuring the blood pressure can one determine if one has excessive blood pressure. However, a few individuals may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, due to high blood pressure. Therefore, conducting regular check-ups is important to get diagnosed early.

On the other hand, the symptoms of low blood pressure are noticeable. Nausea, fatigue, and dizziness are some common symptoms one may experience.

Causes
Usually, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, comes on gradually. Unhealthy lifestyle choices like insufficient regular exercise may act as one of the high blood pressure causes. Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, may increase hypertension risk.

Meanwhile, dehydration and lack of proper nutrients may lead to low blood pressure, also known as hypotension.

Risk factors
Anyone can suffer from hypertension or hypotension at any stage of their lives. However, certain individuals are more at risk of developing these conditions than others. Here are some risk factors that can contribute to elevating blood pressure levels.

Older age
Individuals over 60 are more likely to develop hypertension than those in their 20s or 30s.

Chronic conditions
Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and kidney diseases can affect one’s blood pressure.

Lack of exercise
Having little to no exercise can significantly affect how the heart pumps blood.

Diagnosis
The standards used by different healthcare providers to diagnose high blood pressure may differ:

Some healthcare providers categorize patients as having high blood pressure if their blood pressure reading exceeds 140/90 mm Hg.

Other healthcare providers diagnose hypertension when a patient’s blood pressure consistently measures 130/80 mm Hg or higher. According to the American College of Cardiology, this restriction on measuring hypertension and hypotension is based on a 2017 policy.

Treatment
A doctor will follow the following plan of action to asses one’s condition before prescribing any treatment.

If one’s pressure levels are normal (less than 120/80), one must check their blood pressure annually. Based on the doctor’s recommendation, the frequency of testing can be changed.

If a person’s blood pressure is elevated, a doctor will likely want to check it every 3 to 6 months. An elevated level is a systolic blood pressure between 120 and 129 or a diastolic blood pressure of less than 80.

The doctor may recommend lifestyle adjustments and follow up with the patient in three to six months if one has stage-I hypertension (130-139 over 89-90).

One will probably be prescribed prescription treatment if one’s blood pressure is stage II—140/90 or higher.

Remedies
Many individuals with hypertension or hypotension can maintain healthy blood pressure levels by modifying their lifestyle. Physicians advise the following remedies to manage the condition.

Exercising for at least 150 minutes a week (or 30 minutes a day for five days a week)
Following appropriate prescription treatment
Eating balanced meals and limiting sodium intake
Controlling stress