KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYPERTENSION AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Hypertension is actually a disease of the blood vessels involving changes in their structure and functions that is associated with the constellation of other cardiovascular risk factors. So what is high blood pressure, I'll explain later.

Kinds of Hypertension

In over 70% of these cases, hypertension is an entirely metabolic syndrome made up of a group of complex cluster of abnormalities, including problems with excessive blood clotting, abnormal glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, Type II diabetes, dense LDL bad cholesteral, high triglycerides and low HDL good cholesterol.

Most obvious sign of hypertension is the accumulation of belly fat known as apple obesity. All these conditions result in damages to the arteries, atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular problems.

Classification of Hypertension

There are two major classifications of hypertension and they are essential - primary or genetic; and secondary. Herein lies the differences between hypertension and high blood pressure.

• Essential hypertension also known as primary or genetic hypertension develops slowly and quietly.


• Secondary hypertension is directly linked to another disease or condition that includes obesity, thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, kidney disease, kidney artery blockages, tumors and the side effects of certain medications.
  

  This type of hypertension increase either the resistance of the blood vessels or the amount of blood being pushed through your system, resulting in you having high blood pressure.

Causes of Secondary Hypertension

• Coarctation of the aorta, a narrowing of the aorta.


• Cushing's syndrome, a metabolic disorder resulting in the excessive production of the steriod hormone cortisol.


• Kidney disease


• Oral contraceptives which sometimes increases your blood pressure up an average of 5% after seven years of use.


• Primary Aldosteronism is too much aldosterone, a hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance in your blood.


• Sleep apnea.


• Thyroid disease.


• Diet pills such as ephedra.

If these problems are corrected your hypertension and high blood pressure usually disappear.

White Coat Hypertension

This is your blood pressure rising to an unhealthy level when you're in your doctor's office or at the hospital but is normal at other times.

I know you are not allergic to your doctor or the funny smell of so many hospitals but this increase in your blood pressure is due to an increase in your body's tension.

You might think white coat hypertension is nothing serious, but some studies suggest that it is a concern to your doctor due to the changes in vascular resistance, elevated blood fats, increased bad cholesterol - LDL levels, insulin resistance any of which can increase your cardiovascular risk.

What Are Your Chances Of Developing These Disease

Hypertension and high blood pressure are not an equal opportunity disease, but they are some preferred targets.

Some risk factors may simply be part of your make-up and cannot be altered, while many of the causes can be changed and doing so can make a big difference to your health.

Return from Hypertension and High Blood Pressure to What Causes High Blood Pressure

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