When a primary disease is cause for hypertension, it is known as secondary hypertension. When the primary disease is treated, typically secondary hypertension is treated in conjunction, returning blood pressure levels back into the normal range.

The presence of high blood pressure, even unnoticed, can be cause for the development of an array of other health conditions, including increasing the overall risk for stroke or heart attack.

Stress forces hormones to act in overdrive. Stress forces us to make decisions every day. Financial strains, public speaking, a lack of job skills, and relationship difficulties affect most Americans on most days.

Excess alcohol is linked to elevating blood pressure levels. Plus, it can interact with blood pressure medication adversely. There is no debate. Studies have proven over and over again the harmful side effects of excess alcohol as it relates to blood pressure

It’s been scientifically and medically proven potassium benefits blood pressure. In a 2001 study, participants ate 8.5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day (1). These servings provided 4,100mg of potassium (1). The direct result of this diet was evidenced by the lower blood pressure levels - 7.2/2.8mmHg (1).

It’s a well-known scientific proof sodium intake increases blood pressure levels. If that isn’t bad enough, there are some individuals who are sodium responsive, which means they are particularly sensitive to the effects of sodium.

High blood pressure is just one health risk that nicotine in tobacco is responsible for. Nicotine is proven to raise blood pressure by at least 10mmHG (1). While it’s true the effect of elevating blood pressure is just temporary (30-60 minutes), it’s the repetition that presents blood pressure concerns (1).

An inactive or sedentary lifestyle is a controllable risk factor for high blood pressure, as well as other diseases like blood vessel disease, coronary heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.

Excessive weight puts added strain on the heart and other organs because they have to work harder. The heart is unnecessarily stressed with excessive weight to circulate blood throughout the entire body.

High blood pressure doesn’t just stop there. It can progress to life-threatening medical conditions like kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and death. This is important because kidney failure is the #9 cause of death in America, heart disease is the #1 cause of death in America, and stroke is the 3rd cause of death in America (1). Blindness is another result of high blood pressure.