You Need To Know About Treating High Blood Pressure.

Why is it important to treat high blood pressure?

Treatment is important because having high blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

How is it detected?

With a blood pressure cuff that goes around your arm.

What causes it?

No one knows for sure. However, the following factors can increase your risk:

Older age. Men older than 55 years and women older than 65 years are at increased risk.
A relative with high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke.
Obesity.
Not getting enough exercise.
Drinking too much alcohol.
Using tobacco products.
Eating an unhealthy diet. Eating foods that have too much salt (sodium) or not enough potassium can increase your risk of high blood pressure.

How is it treated?

Treating high blood pressure starts with making changes in your lifestyle, such as exercising more, eating healthier food, and, if necessary, losing weight and quitting smoking. If your blood pressure is still too high after you do these things, you might need to take medicine to lower your blood pressure. These medicines need to be taken every day. It is important to get regular check-ups so your doctor can make sure the medicines are working.