Blood Pressure Factor

Unfortunately, high blood pressure can easily go unnoticed. That's why it's often referred to as the silent killer. In fact, there are thousands of people with high blood pressure who are completely unaware of their situation or the blood pressure factor that created it. he potential consequences can be severe: stroke, coronary disease, and kidney disease.

Which blood pressure factor is contributing to your high blood condition?

• Too much alcohol
• Too much salt
• Obesity
• Stress (to a point)

Alcohol can be a tricky balancing act in the regulation of blood pressure. Too much alcohol can contribute to your hypertension. However, according to some studies, moderate consumption of alcohol can actually help lower your blood pressure below that of a non-drinker. The basic rule is: moderation. 

Most of us are aware that salt intake can directly contribute to high blood pressure. Salt helps to regulate the body's blood volume, it's blood pressure, and blood vessel flexibility. When there's an increase in blood volume or a restriction of the blood vessel walls, your blood pressure rises.

As it does with so many other functions of the body, obesity is also a primary blood pressure factor. High blood pressure is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those who are at a healthy weight. Added weight taxes all the vital organs, including the heart, and can lead to stroke and coronary disease.

While stress can cause a rise in blood pressure, the rise is generally temporary. Current studies have yet to determine the long-term effects of stress as it applies to hypertension, though it's long been assumed that there is a connection. It appears logical that if stress can cause temporary rises in blood pressure, if such rises occur often enough, there should be damage to your blood vessels, heart and kidneys much the same as there is with persistent high blood pressure.

Though symptoms as the result of a blood pressure facto are uncommon, you may experience headaches, blurred vision, light headedness and/or dizziness. The only true way of determining whether or not you have high blood pressure is by having it checked by your physician. It's recommended that every adult should have his or her blood pressure checked at least once a year. The procedure is quick and painless.