Hypertension

There are two main types of hypertension, primary and secondary. Primary hypertension arises on its own and typically has no one discernible cause. It can develop gradually over a period of years. On the other hand, secondary hypertension is usually a symptom of another problem, such as kidney issues or heart defects. It can also be a result of some contraceptives, such as oral birth control pills. Because this is a sign of another problem, it tends to arrive more suddenly than primary hypertension.

Primary hypertension is very difficult to diagnose because it hardly ever causes you to show any symptoms. Some people suffer from nose bleeds, headaches, and dizziness, but this is typically not until it is more advanced. At the doctor’s office, you probably get your blood pressure taken regularly, but a high reading may be attributed to nervousness rather than actual hypertension.

If you are diagnosed with hypertension, there are two ways that you can fight your high blood pressure. First, you can change your lifestyle to embrace more exercise and a healthier, more nutritious diet. If your blood pressure remains elevated, you may have to take medication to lower it. This is because hypertension can cause serious complications over time, such as:

  • Aneurysm
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Vision loss
  • Kidney problems

Of course, it can be expensive to receive the medical treatment you need to control your hypertension. If you are interested in getting help in paying for your medical bills, you should consider getting health insurance.