What are the factors that influence blood pressure?
Stiff blood vessels (Atherosclerosis): Blood vessels narrow as we age, and this can make the blood pressure higher. Smoking and diabetes can make this happen earlier in life.
Too much salt: When we eat salt, water follows. If you consume too much salt, there is an increase in the amount of fluid (blood) in blood vessels and this increases the pressure
Other conditions can increase blood pressure, but these two factors above are the most common reasons that blood pressure can become increased.
What will it do to me?
When high blood pressure first develops OR if it is not well controlled, you may be at risk for:
1. Heart Attack
2. Stroke
3. Kidney disease
4. Vision loss
5. Pain in the legs while walking
6. Dementia
In each of these conditions, blood vessels become narrow as a result of high blood pressure that is untreated or not treated completely. Normally blood flows easily like traffic in 3 lanes. High blood pressure causes narrowing that is similar to traffic lanes under construction. This narrowing slows the flow of red blood cells and can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
What can I do?
High blood pressure can be improved small changes in your day to day life:
Regular exercise (30 minutes, five times per week)
