High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

I wasn't able to go to work today because my mom is sick. She has a high fever and suffering a terrible headache since last night. She also has hypertension. I just wondering why my mom has this kind of illness. She's been very healthy before and with active lifestyle.

I ask help to Google the causes and some overview of High Blood Pressure.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure (HBP) is a serious condition that can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems."Blood pressure" is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure tends to rise with age, unless you take steps to prevent or control it.

Certain medical problems, such as chronic kidney disease, thyroid disease, and sleep apnea, may cause blood pressure to rise. Certain medicines, such as asthma medicines (for example, corticosteroids) and cold-relief products, also may raise blood pressure.

In some women, blood pressure can go up if they use birth control pills, become pregnant, or take hormone replacement therapy.

Women taking birth control pills usually have a small rise in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. If you already have high blood pressure (HBP) and want to use birth control pills, make sure your doctor knows about your HBP. Talk to him or her about how often you should have your blood pressure checked and how to control it while taking the pill.

How Can High Blood Pressure Be Prevented?

1. Follow a healthy eating plan. This includes limiting the amount of sodium (salt) and alcohol that you consume.
2. Lose weight if you're overweight or obese.
3. Do enough physical activity.
4. Quit smoking.
5. Manage your stress and learn to cope with stress.

Source: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.