Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease.

It's the leading cause of strokes and a major cause of heart attacks, heart failure, and kidney failure. Clearly, hypertension is a serious health problem, yet a lot people haven't been educated as to the causes, symptoms, and possible cures to it.

The term "blood pressure" refers to the force of blood pushing against the artery walls. Similar to tire pressure or water pressure in a hose, blood pressure is a reflection of the amount of force being put on your veins and arteries by your blood coursing throughout your body. Just as over inflation is harmful for your tires or cinching a hose for too long is bad for the hose, having consistent hypertension is dangerous to the body. Unlike tires and hoses, you can't just buy a new set of veins and arteries. Further, because the health problems that develop with hypertension it is critical to keep it under control.

Hypertension is also known as the "silent killer" because so many times people have no idea that their blood pressure is too high till its too late. An astounding one-third of people with hypertension don't even know it. Regular checkups at the doctors, taking your own blood pressure consistently, and being on the look out for symptoms of hypertension are the only ways you can stay on top of your blood pressure. Symptoms of hypertension include: severe headache, fatigue or confusion, vision problems, chest pain, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, blood in the urine, and pounding in your chest, neck or ears. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. As mentioned, you could have hypertension that could turn into a stroke, heart attack, or other serious health malady.

There are also risk factors that increase the odds of you developing hypertension. Risk factors include: family history of hypertension, heart disease or diabetes, overweight, over the age of 55, little to no physical activity, excessive drinking, smoking, diet high in saturated fats or salt, and certain medications. While some of these factors you can control, such as physical activity levels, drinking, smoking, and diet, others you a subject to genetic circumstance, age, and other medical conditions. Regardless, of your circumstances, if you put the time and energy into keeping hypertension at bay you will reduce your risk of suffering from high blood pressure related ailments.

There are two basic treatment options for hypertension: drugs and lifestyle changes. There are a bevy of types of drugs that can lower your blood pressure. If you are considering using one of them it's best to have that conversation with your doctor as to the best drug option for you. Lifestyle changes also have an affect on your blood pressure. Changing your diet to be low in sodium and saturated fat while also exercising regularly have been proven to reduce the odds of getting and treating hypertension. Because hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease it is important to know it's causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

See more products and conditions:Hypertension, CoQ-10, Milk Thistle