High Blood Pressure

What Causes High Blood Pressure?
In 90 to 95 percent of high blood pressure cases, the cause is unknown. In fact, you can have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. That's why it's the "silent killer" When the cause is unknown, you have what's called essential or primary hypertension. In the remaining 5% or less of people with elevated blood pressure, a specific cause is known, and they are considered to have "secondary hypertension."

Does Alcohol Consumption Cause High Blood Pressure?
Although the media has widely publicized the beneficial effects of alcohol on the heart, it must be remembered that this applies only to moderate alcohol intake. People who have more than two drinks per day are much more likely to have higher blood pressure levels than nondrinkers.

Does Being Overweight Cause High Blood Pressure?
Weight loss in obese patients definitely lowers blood pressure. The benefits of even a modest reduction in weight are multiple: reduction or elimination of blood pressure medications, improvement in cholesterol levels, and decreased risk of heart attack. Unfortunately, as many patients can attest, weight loss is easy to recommend but difficult to achieve and maintain. A daily exercise program, a strong social support system, and initially reasonable goals for weight loss are all required for long-term success.

The following MAY cause High Blood Pressure:
High fat/high cholesterol diet
Family history of coronary artery disease
Diabetes
Lack of exercise
Obesity (being overweight)
Stress

How do you lower High Blood Pressure?
If you have high blood pressure, it is important to work with your doctor to lower it. A proper diet, losing weight, exercising regularly, restricting sodium intake, and using medication may all be required to lower your blood pressure to a healthy level.

High Blood Pressure Choose the best answer. 1. In most high blood pressure cases the cause is ____________. a word that sounds kind of cool smoked fish unknown 2. High blood pressure may be caused by _____________. speaking loudly stress 3. People who have more than two drinks per day are ___________. more likely to have high blood pressure more likely to eat pasta 4. Weight loss in overweight patients lowers _____________. body temperature blood pressure 5. Exercise is an ___________ way to lower blood pressure. excellent groovy 6. Lowering salt intake may lower high ________ pressure. blood water 7. It is important to _____________. wear two hats while ridng in a car see a doctor Press when complete. Your score: