Table of Contents
Can you have high blood pressure with no underlying cause?
For most adults, there’s no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure, called primary (essential) hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years.
What can be underlying causes of high blood pressure?
What causes high blood pressure?
- A diet high in salt, fat, and/or cholesterol.
- Chronic conditions such as kidney and hormone problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
- Family history, especially if your parents or other close relatives have high blood pressure.
- Lack of physical activity.
What disease is possible to have if high blood pressure is left untreated?
Left undetected (or uncontrolled), high blood pressure can lead to: Heart attack — High blood pressure damages arteries that can become blocked and prevent blood flow to the heart muscle. Stroke — High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to clog more easily or even burst.
Can high BP come and go?
Blood pressure changes naturally many times a day. Most changes are normal and predictable. When these spikes and valleys in your blood pressure occur, you may not experience unusual signs or symptoms. These fluctuations may be brief and fleeting.
Is high blood pressure a disease?
High blood pressure is not a disease, but a symptom of these diseased arteries. As cholesterol containing plaques begin to line the walls of the arteries, the arteries begin to narrow, stiffen, and lose their elasticity which causes a rise in pressure.
Why might I need more frequent blood pressure readings?
You might need more-frequent readings if you have elevated blood pressure or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Any factor that increases pressure against the artery walls can lead to elevated blood pressure. The buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries (atherosclerosis) can lead to high blood pressure.
What does it mean when your blood pressure is slightly elevated?
Elevated blood pressure. Print. Elevated blood pressure means your blood pressure is slightly above normal. It will likely turn into high blood pressure (hypertension) unless you make lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise and eating healthier foods.
What is the difference between primary and secondary hypertension?
This type of high blood pressure, called primary (essential) hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years. Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension.