The Causes and Symptoms of Hypertension in Men

By Roz Jones

A few years ago, the American Medical Association announced that normal blood pressure should be 120/80. This was lowered from the previous systolic and diastolic pressure considered to be within the normal range. Hypertension in men is a serious and often fatal disease. High blood pressure can lead to heart failure; kidney failure; or stroke. When you become a caregiver it’s even more important to monitor your blood pressure

The combination of hypertension and being overweight increases the chances of developing one or more conditions. In fact, the older you are, the more likely you will develop hypertension unless you take steps to prevent it.  If you are overweight when you are young, you may develop hypertension at an older age. However, it has been suggested that hypertension is also inherited, which doesn’t help the situation either.

You may not even realize you have this condition, as the symptoms do not reveal themselves.  However, you should assume you are a candidate for hypertension if you are over 40; if there is a history of this condition in your family; and you are overweight.

The first thing you need to do if you are in any way susceptible to this condition is to remove sodium from your diet. Have your blood pressure checked at least once a month, and avoid stress.  Let’s face it; however, we may work in an environment that breeds stress.

Whether it’s the job; money problems; smoking; overweight; alcohol; and other social and psychological factors which may contribute to the condition, it is important to understand it is not a curable disease, nor one which is tangible. Also, keep in mind; that hypertension is not exclusive to any one group. It affects people from all walks of life. To what degree it can cause damage to your heart, kidneys and brain depends on its severity.

If you find that you have taken every precaution and your blood pressure is still high, your doctor may prescribe medication only if he or she feels it is absolutely necessary. Some of the drugs have side effects, while others can be tolerated. While on any type of medication, do not fall under the assumption that because you may feel better you can stop taking the drugs.  This is a dangerous scenario as mentioned earlier; hypertension is a symptom-less disease. 

If you follow a proper diet that does not contain sodium; if you alter your lifestyle in order to ease the stress and other factors which contribute to hypertension, it can be controlled. Nothing in life is more important than your health; certainly, nothing causes physical or psychological elements which can raise your blood pressure. Hypertension in men is prevalent, yet over fifty percent of men do not realize they have the condition.

Take care of your health and it will take care of you.