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High Blood Pressure
Overview
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the arteries. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body.
It is the most common cardiovascular disease, and a major risk factor for kidney disease. The nephrologists at Florida Kidney Physicians specialize in treating hypertension to prevent or slow the progression of kidney damage.
Symptoms
Usually Asymptomatic: High blood pressure often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular blood pressure checks are essential.
Severe Headaches: In some cases, individuals with extremely high blood pressure may experience headaches, particularly at the back of the head and in the morning.
Fatigue or Confusion: Persistent fatigue, vision problems, and confusion can be associated with extremely high blood pressure.
Causes and Risk Factors
Age: The risk of high blood pressure increases with age.
Family History: If your parents or close relatives have hypertension, you may be more likely to develop it.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of high blood pressure.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Conditions that affect the kidneys can lead to hypertension.
Sleep Apnea: Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure.
High Stress Levels: While stress alone may not directly cause hypertension, it can contribute to unhealthy lifestyle habits that can increase blood pressure.
Diagnosis And Treatment
Everyone with high blood pressure is advised to make healthy lifestyle changes.Whether medicine is also recommended depends on your blood pressure reading and your risk of developing problems such as heart attacks or strokes.
If you have risk factors for high blood pressure, it is important to be checked routinely. If you already have high blood pressure, it is important to be seen by an expert.