Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/600927
4 HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: PART 1 Of 5 We've already given you an overview of the key facts regarding High Blood Pressure and you've hopefully come to understand just how crucial it is that you form a partnership with your doctor in managing this chronic condition. This week we will take a closer look at what causes High Blood Pressure and how it is diagnosed. WHAT CAUSES IT? THere are really Two TyPes of HIgH Blood Pressure: 1. essenTIal HIgH Blood Pressure – this is by far the most common type (90-95% of cases) and the cause is unknown although there is a genetic or hereditary element involved (Having a family history of High Blood Pressure is associated with an increased risk of developing High Blood Pressure.) 2. secondary HIgH Blood Pressure – this is where the High Blood Pressure is caused by an underlying medical problem. It is not common but it is important and your doctor will have considered this possibility and may have done some tests (especially if the pressure is very high and or you are under 30). causes of secondary High Blood Pressure include: • Hormonal conditions (there are several) • kidney disease (all forms) • Sleep apnoea (snoring problem that causes breathing cessation during sleep; seen in obese people mainly) WHAT ABOUT STRESS? It is true that stress and anxiety can elevate your blood pressure. Because the solution lies in managing stress (and life) better, this is not normally considered as cause of High Blood Pressure as such, although the point is debatable. The important thing is that excessive stress is bad for you, and bad for your blood pressure.