There are a variety of illnesses that can cause very high blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension. Some common illnesses that may cause hypertension include:
-Heart disease. Conditions like coronary artery disease, aortic stenosis, and cardiomyopathy can lead to an elevated blood pressure due to the extra strain put on the heart.
-Kidney disease. Kidney disease can directly cause hypertension due to the organs’ functioning. If the kidneys are unable to filter the blood correctly, hypertension can result.
-Thyroid conditions. An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, can lead to an excessively high blood pressure.
-Sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which individuals stop and start breathing repeatedly while they sleep. The condition has been linked to high blood pressure due to the irregular breathing patterns, lack of oxygen, and stress it causes.
-Pregnancy-related high blood pressure. During pregnancy, some women may experience gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, which can lead to an abnormally high blood pressure during or after pregnancy due to changes in the hormones that regulate blood pressure.
-Adrenal gland disorders. Cushing syndrome and Conn syndrome are two conditions that can affect the adrenal glands and cause hypertension.
-Drugs and alcohol. Certain drugs, such as steroids and birth control pills, can cause high blood pressure, as well as alcoholism.
Finally, it’s important to note that the cause of hypertension can also be unknown, which is referred to as “essential” or “primary” hypertension. It’s important to work with your doctor to diagnose and get to the root of any underlying illnesses or conditions that may be causing your hypertension.
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Can high blood pressure be a symptom of something else?
Yes, high blood pressure can be a symptom of something else. Including kidney disease, thyroid problems, sleep apnea, certain medications, and certain types of heart disease. Additionally, other lifestyle factors, such as smoking and stress, can contribute to high blood pressure.
It is important to speak to your physician in order to get a proper diagnosis in order to determine the cause of your high blood pressure. Depending on the underlying condition, medications and lifestyle modifications may be needed in order to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of long-term complications.
What happens when blood pressure is extremely high?
When blood pressure is extremely high, this is known as a hypertensive crisis. This is considered a medical emergency, and should be treated immediately. Symptoms may include severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing, vision problems, and irregular heartbeat.
Without appropriate medical evaluation, the condition can lead to organ damage, a stroke, or even death.
Treatment for a hypertensive crisis typically involves medications that can reduce the blood pressure rapidly. Depending on the cause, other medications may also be used. In some cases, a hospital stay may be required to further monitor and stabilize the patient.
Alternative treatments such as lifestyle changes may also be suggested to combat the underlying causes of high blood pressure and to prevent future episodes.
What are the 5 warning signs of a stroke?
1. Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body) – This is one of the most common stroke warning signs and it’s important to be aware of it. It can happen anywhere on the face, arm, or leg.
2. Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding – A stroke can suddenly cause a person to have difficulty speaking or understanding. This can be in the form of slurred speech, inability to speak, or an inability to understand what is being said to them.
3. Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes – Another common warning sign of a stroke is a sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes. It can result in blurred or double vision, or even complete vision loss, in one or both eyes.
4. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance – Dizziness and a loss of balance can be caused by a stroke. It is important to be aware that these symptoms can be a sign of a stroke, as dizziness and a loss of balance can be caused by many other medical conditions.
5. Sudden, severe headache with no known cause – A sudden, severe headache with no known cause is another warning sign of a stroke. It is important to remember that a headache alone doesn’t necessarily mean that a person is having a stroke, but it is an important symptom to be aware of.
Should I lie down if my blood pressure is high?
It depends. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, lying down may not provide any meaningful benefit in reducing your blood pressure, especially if you only have a slight elevation of your systolic blood pressure.
For mild cases, certain lifestyle changes such as reducing your stress levels and improving your diet may be suggested by your doctor. If you are experiencing a more severe elevation of your blood pressure, then your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower it.
In addition to your prescribed medication, it is important to rest and stay hydrated if your blood pressure is high. Avoid strenuous physical activity or overly sedentary activities so that you balance your body and keep your blood pressure regulated.
If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, be sure to lie down and elevate your feet to help with circulation. It is also important to contact your doctor immediately if your blood pressure remains high.
