High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer
Understanding Hypertension
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. It can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease and stroke.
Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to high blood pressure:
- Genetics: Family history can increase the risk of hypertension.
- Diet: High sodium intake and low potassium levels can contribute to elevated blood pressure.
- Stress: Chronic stress can lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it may not present noticeable symptoms. However, some signs can include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
