What Is Hypertension? – What Causes Hypertension?

I talk a lot about high blood pressure (aka the medical condition Hypertension), but I wanted to really dig deeper into what this condition is all about and some of the main causes of life-threatening diseases.

So to start us off, what is hypertension?

Hypertension is a common condition in which the force or pressure of your blood against your artery walls is permanently raised so high that it will eventually cause health problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.

With around a third of adults in the UK being hypertensive, this isn’t something we can continue to ignore !

Most people with high blood pressure have literally no signs or symptoms, even if their blood pressure is at dangerously high levels which is scary enough in itself.

Make sure to ask your doctor or local pharmacist for a blood pressure reading at least every two years starting at age 18. If you’re age 40 or older, or you’re 18 to 39 with a high risk of high blood pressure, get a reading every year. But you don’t even need to visit a GP! Reliable, kite-marked blood pressure monitors will likely be available from your pharmacist for a modest sum, plus advice on how best to use it.

What causes Hypertension?

Despite what we’ve all been told, the major cause of hypertension isn’t eating too much fat, or indeed salt. No, it’s hyperinsulinemia which means the amount of insulin in your blood is consistently higher than normal.

Hyperinsulinemia goes hand-in-hand with insulin resistance — a condition in which your body doesn’t respond properly to the normal effect of your natural insulin. Your pancreas tries to compensate by making more insulin which may eventually lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. This happens when your pancreas is no longer able to compensate by secreting the massive amounts of insulin required to keep the blood sugar at normal levels.

A healthy diet is absolutely key to reversing/preventing hyperinsulinemia. Not only that, but a healthy diet will help better regulate your body’s overall functions, control your weight and end your hunger pangs.