Lots of people have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, and aren’t aware of it. In many cases, people with hypertension won’t have noticeable symptoms, so it’s best to get readings as often as possible. High blood pressure can have many causes, and we will be discussing some of these in this article.

High blood pressure is more common among older people, though it can afflict people of all ages. The typical age that men develop high blood pressure is younger than for women, but for both the risks increase in middle age.

As problems such as obesity spread, however, we are now seeing more hypertension among younger people as well. That’s why it’s a good idea to get regular checkups where your blood pressure is checked, especially if you are middle aged or older. Your age, of course, is only one risk factor for high blood pressure, and you have to consider your everyday habits as well.

If you consume too much alcohol, this can cause high blood pressure, among other problems. You may have heard that light drinking, of wine in particular, is good for your heart health, but this only refers to one or two drinks. However, it’s also true that people who consume more than two alcoholic beverages per day have a higher risk of health problems such as high blood pressure. And quite a few people are unable to drink in moderation. So if you are able to limit your intake of alcohol, light drinking may be good for your health, but more than this is harmful.

Medication and certain drugs may also contribute to high blood pressure. Stimulants of any kind, such as cocaine, are known to be dangerous to your blood pressure and heart. Many drugs that are prescribed, such as for depression or birth control, can also cause hypertension. Depending on the ingredients, lots of over the counter If you are prone to high blood pressure, then, research any medication you take and always read the labels. Anytime you suspect a drug or medicine is contributing to your high blood pressure, ask your doctor about it immediately.

One of the lesser known causes of high blood pressure is sleep apnea. This disorder is when a person stops breathing at frequent intervals during the night. People with sleep apnea often snore as well which is a symptom of obstructed breathing while asleep. Because you do not get restful sleep if you suffer from sleep apnea, you will tend to feel tired throughout the day. People who are overweight or who smoke are more prone to sleep apnea but the only way to diagnose it is by doing a sleep study at a sleep disorder center. Chronic sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, as well as heart disease, so it’s important to find out if you have this problem. High blood pressure isn’t always noticed or diagnosed until it’s gone way beyond just hypertension which is why it is referred to as a silent killer. By having your doctor check your blood pressure regularly, and becoming familiar with the causes of hypertension, such as the ones we’ve been focusing on in this article, you can be in a better position to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.

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