Are You Suffering from Undiagnosed Hypertension

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension is not always easy to identify. Many of those suffering from it are unaware they have it. High blood pressure is an abnormally elevated blood pressure level. Its exact cause is not known, however, factors that contribute to it are obesity, high salt intake, excessive use of stimulants such as coffee and drugs, heredity, and physical and emotional stress. Fairly healthy individuals, with overall health ratings of good to excellent still tested as sufferers.

A fairly silent disease initially, with no noticeable symptoms, as it progresses, sufferers begin to experience blurred vision, nervousness anxiety, insomnia, headaches, nose bleeds, breathing problems, and edema. Today's fast pace modern life style is responsible for the most prolific spread of this ailment. The stress placed upon those struggling to keep pace with the constant family, societal, and business changes drive many to become hypertensive. Once an almost exclusive male disease, today's hypertension has now claimed almost an equal number of women sufferers.

Many people drive themselves into hypertension. These individuals must learn to avoid stressful conditions by learning how to shift their lifestyle into less stressful pursuits. The best prescription for them is to begin creating environments where they are able to take regular, un-rushed meals breaks, reduce and work to eliminate worry, increase their leisure time by taking more vacations and short getaway breaks, add an exercise regiment to their daily routine, and begin practicing moderation in all things. Establishing and maintaining a calmer outlook on life is the key ingredient for reduction and prevention of hypertension.

High salt intake is another cause of high blood pressure. Sodium causes the body to retain fluid. This fluid retention adds additional stress on your heart and circulatory system. A potassium supplement will be of some assistance because it causes the body to excrete excess sodium. Vitamin C supplementation promotes blood vessel health by reducing the strain the increased blood flow places on your veins and arteries. The exercise regiment prescribed earlier helps keep your circulatory system strong and healthy.

Regular monitoring of your blood pressure is also important. Doctor visits for a physical examination should be a minimum of at least an annual part of your health maintenance program. If you want to check your blood pressure more frequently than once a year, home blood pressure monitor kits are available online and at most retail drug stores. The suggestions listed here are for a non-prescription drug approach to hypertension management. Hypertension is a serious ailment and requires professional diagnosis and treatment. See your doctor and follow their advice. Discuss some of the suggestions mentioned here with them and see if any of them can be worked into their treatment plan.

Now The Pressure's On - Men's Health, October, 2008