Factors Affecting Hypertension
FACTORS AFFECTING HYPERTENSION
FACTORS THAT CAN BE CHANGED
Sedentary Lifestyle
Those who do not exercise are more likely to develop hypertension. These people tend to have higher heartbeat rates than those who work out, and this forces the heart to work harder during each contraction. This puts more pressure on the arteries, so the propensity for heart diseases or heart attacks becomes greater. A sedentary lifestyle is also a precursor to being overweight or obese, which is another hypertension risk factor. The heavier the weight, the more blood is necessary to deliver oxygen to the tissues. This causes more pressure to be placed on arterial walls, leading to a greater potential for heart problems.
Alcohol and Tobacco
Alcohol and tobacco temporarily raise blood pressure levels and also have long-term effects. When you drink alcohol, the body dispenses hormones that increase heart rate. In the long term, alcohol can damage the heart. The chemicals in tobacco also cause a short-term increases in heart rates. They also damage the lining of the artery walls, forcing them to narrow and increase blood pressure.
Stress and Chronic Conditions
A high-stress level can also cause temporary problems with the heart. When stress is experienced at a high level, it can cause a massive increase in blood pressure, which in turn can cause a heart attack.
Smoking
Smoking is the number 1 risk factor over which you have control. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health.
Activity Level / Exercise
A low exercise lifestyle leads to a weak heart, poor exercise tolerance, and obesity. All of which have been implicated in the development of high blood pressure.
Diet
While there is evidence that specific items, such as salt, can worsen high blood pressure in certain individuals, the main impact that diet plays in high blood pressure risk is that it is a big factor in how much you weigh. Medications and Street Drugs
Certain medications can cause or worsen
FACTORS THAT CAN BE CHANGED
Sedentary Lifestyle
Those who do not exercise are more likely to develop hypertension. These people tend to have higher heartbeat rates than those who work out, and this forces the heart to work harder during each contraction. This puts more pressure on the arteries, so the propensity for heart diseases or heart attacks becomes greater. A sedentary lifestyle is also a precursor to being overweight or obese, which is another hypertension risk factor. The heavier the weight, the more blood is necessary to deliver oxygen to the tissues. This causes more pressure to be placed on arterial walls, leading to a greater potential for heart problems.
Alcohol and Tobacco
Alcohol and tobacco temporarily raise blood pressure levels and also have long-term effects. When you drink alcohol, the body dispenses hormones that increase heart rate. In the long term, alcohol can damage the heart. The chemicals in tobacco also cause a short-term increases in heart rates. They also damage the lining of the artery walls, forcing them to narrow and increase blood pressure.
Stress and Chronic Conditions
A high-stress level can also cause temporary problems with the heart. When stress is experienced at a high level, it can cause a massive increase in blood pressure, which in turn can cause a heart attack.
Smoking
Smoking is the number 1 risk factor over which you have control. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health.
Activity Level / Exercise
A low exercise lifestyle leads to a weak heart, poor exercise tolerance, and obesity. All of which have been implicated in the development of high blood pressure.
Diet
While there is evidence that specific items, such as salt, can worsen high blood pressure in certain individuals, the main impact that diet plays in high blood pressure risk is that it is a big factor in how much you weigh. Medications and Street Drugs
Certain medications can cause or worsen