Blood Pressure Disorders
One of the most silent killers in the health world are blood pressure disorders. With few distinct warning signs, blood pressure disorders can easily have devastating consequences when left untreated. This is why blood pressure disorders are often referred to as the "silent killer." In the United States it is believed that less than 70 percent of Americans that have blood pressure disorders have had them diagnosed. Even with that high of a percentage diagnosed, only about 58 percent of that number have been able to successfully control their blood pressure (Merck.com).
Blood Regulation
Blood regulation is an important aspect of the human body. Blood is largely regulated by the body and moved by the heart. The body can regulate how much blood is in the system at any time as well as the size of the arteries. The heart works to pump this blood throughout the body. It can also change the blood pressure at any time to force more or less blood through the body by pumping faster or harder.
Causes of Disorders
As the heart increases or decreases in speed, the blood pressure in the body is similarly affected. However, if the arteries are too constricted or if there are blockages in the arteries, blood pressure can increase even further. Veins can also contribute to increased blood pressure by constricting and forcing more blood into the arteries. Blood pressure disorders can also happen when the heart is unable to beat fast enough, or the veins and arteries dilate and lower the blood pressure. Normally the body has measures in place to counteract the extremes in blood pressure by increasing or decreasing the blood volume in the body, or changing the speed and force in which the heart is beating. Factors such as kidney issues, inability to remove salt from the blood, hormonal disorders or plaque-blocked arteries can overcome these safeguards and cause blood pressure disorders.
Hypertension
Hypertension is blood pressure levels that are too high. Hypertension can be either primary or secondary. About 80-90 percent of hypertension sufferers suffer from primary hypertension. This disorder is caused when the functions that change blood pressure all act at once. This means that the heart begins to pump harder at the same time as the blood vessels constrict. Normally only one function happens at a time to keep the blood pressure regulated. Secondary hypertension is much rarer than primary hypertension and is usually caused by a kidney malfunction. When the kidney is harmed whether through disease or accident, the body's ability to remove salt and water from the body is compromised. This increases the blood volume in the body, which in turn increases the blood pressure. Hypertension in either form increases the risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Hypotension
Hypotension is blood pressure that is too low. Low blood pressure can happen for a variety of reasons including pregnancy, medications with side effects that lower blood pressure, bradycardia, heart valve problems, underactive thyroid, blood loss or a severe infection. Moderate low blood pressure usually only causes a feeling of weakness and dizziness. However, when blood pressure gets too low, oxygen is unable to get to the body fast enough. Once your body is deprived of necessary oxygen, serious heart and brain damage can occur. Low blood pressure may also cause varicose veins. Varicose veins are bulbous veins that develop when pools of blood are allowed to settle. If there is not enough pressure in the blood, blood pools can become much more common, increasing the chances of developing varicose veins.
Aggravating Factors
Certain factors such as obesity, risky lifestyle behaviors and diet can aggravate blood pressure disorders. For high blood pressure, exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, quitting smoking and eating a healthy low salt diet full of fiber, fruits and vegetables can help curb blood pressure problems, and in many cases can help revert much of the damage caused by the disorder. For low blood pressure, increasing salt intake and drinking more water may help increase blood pressure. In severe cases blood pressure prescription medications may be prescribed both for high and low blood pressure.
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