What can high blood pressure cause

High blood pressure may lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. The causes of hypertension include genetic, environmental, physiological, traumatic, and pathological factors. The key to controlling blood pressure lies in lifestyle adjustments, medication treatment, and regular monitoring.

1. Genetic factors play an important role in hypertension. People with a family history of hypertension have a higher risk of developing the disease. It is recommended that this group of people start monitoring their blood pressure regularly from a young age and take preventive measures.

2. Environmental factors such as high salt diet, lack of exercise, and long-term stress can all lead to elevated blood pressure. Reduce salt intake and keep it below 5 grams per day; Perform 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week; Learning relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing can help lower blood pressure.

3. Physiological factors include aging, obesity, diabetes, etc. As age increases, vascular elasticity decreases and blood pressure tends to rise. Control weight within the normal range and maintain a BMI between 18.5-24.9; Patients with diabetes need to strictly control blood sugar and regularly monitor blood pressure. 4. Trauma such as head injury may lead to acute hypertension. This situation requires immediate medical attention, CT or MRI examination to rule out serious issues such as intracranial hemorrhage.

5. Pathological factors include primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension requires long-term use of antihypertensive drugs such as amlodipine, losartan, metoprolol, etc. Secondary hypertension requires treatment of the primary disease, such as renal artery stenosis, which can be treated with angioplasty, and primary aldosteronism, which can be treated with surgical resection of adrenal tumors.

Lifestyle adjustments include: adopting the DASH diet and increasing intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; Limit alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women; Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

Regularly monitor blood pressure, self test blood pressure at home once a day in the morning and once in the evening, and record data for doctors' reference. At least one comprehensive physical examination should be conducted annually, including blood routine, urine routine, kidney function test, etc. Blood pressure control is a long-term process that requires joint efforts from patients, family members, and doctors. Through comprehensive management, most hypertensive patients can maintain a good quality of life and prevent the occurrence of serious complications. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle, taking medication on time, and regular check ups are key to controlling hypertension.