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what is the reason for high blood pressure
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #16753
5 days ago
30

what is the reason for high blood pressure - #16753

Advika

I am kinda freaking out here. For months, I've been feeling this weird pressure in my chest, and it just doesn’t feel right. Out of nowhere, during a routine check-up, my doctor told me I have high blood pressure! What is the reason for high blood pressure, really? Like, could stress from work or my terrible eating habits be the cause? I mean, I definitely love my fast food and have been slacking on exercise lately. Sometimes my head hurts, and I feel a bit dizzy—could that be related? They also mentioned it could be genetic since my dad had similar issues. I want to know what is the reason for high blood pressure outside of just genetics! Is there, like, a common trigger for people my age? I thought this was more of an older folks issue. I keep wondering if I should change my diet or start taking something, you know? What is the reason for high blood pressure in younger people, though? I read some stuff online, but it's all so confusing. Any advice would be super helpful!

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Doctors’ responses

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a multifactorial condition that can develop from an interplay of various factors. It’s true that your lifestyle choices, like frequent fast-food consumption, lack of exercise, and stress from work, can significantly contribute to elevated blood pressure. These factors often lead to obesity, high cholesterol, and increased stress hormones, all of which are known to raise blood pressure over time. When you’re young, these lifestyle habits might not show immediate consequences, but they can gradually increase your risk. Genetic predisposition does play a role, especially if hypertension is prevalent in your family, as suggested by your father’s similar issues. However, it isn’t the sole cause. Your symptoms—such as chest pressure, headaches, and dizziness—might indeed be related to hypertension, since when blood pressure rises, it can strain your heart and blood vessels, leading to these kinds of discomforts. While hypertension is more common with aging, young people can definitely experience it too, especially if lifestyle or genetic factors are at play. To manage your blood pressure, start by reducing processed and fast foods high in sodium, and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Regular physical activity, even a brisk daily walk, can make a significant difference in your overall cardiovascular health and help you maintain a healthy weight. Stress management techniques like yoga or meditation may also assist in lowering blood pressure. It’s crucial to monitor your blood pressure regularly and follow your doctor’s recommendations on any medication or lifestyle changes. If your symptoms persist or worsen, particularly the chest discomfort or dizziness, seeking immediate medical evaluation would be wise to rule out more serious conditions. Remember, managing hypertension is a long-term commitment and often involves gradual adjustments to your lifestyle habits to see a sustained improvement in your health.

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