March 10, 2008

Borderline Hypertension: Causes, Signs, Treatment & Diet

Posted in Category : Men's Health

Hypertension or what is commonly known as high blood pressure is extremely common. In fact, one billion of the world’s population suffers from this problem. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), hypertension is the main reason for cardiovascular deaths in the world. The sad fact is that over 50% of people with hypertension are not even aware that they have a problem. Most young people with borderline hypertension usually end up with hypertension later in life. In this article, we will discuss borderline hypertension, its causes and treatment options.

Hypertension is nothing but high blood pressure. The normal blood pressure that anyone should have is in approximately 120/80. When the blood pressure goes over 160/100, it is considered high blood pressure.  High blood pressure results in many of the premature deaths that are common today. Apart from this serious condition, the other complications associated with high blood pressure are heart disease, strokes, heart disease, irregular heartbeat, dementia, and kidney disease.

While hypertension is usually detected later in life, borderline hypertension is rarely detected. Borderline hypertension is blood pressure that is above the normal range but below that of hypertension. An average blood pressure reading of above 150/90 and below 160/100 is considered borderline hypertension. The prevalence of this condition generally increases with age. It is so common that 40% of the population by the time they reach their 60s will have borderline hypertension.

While borderline hypertension is not bad, in majority of the cases it leads to hypertension, which is one of the leading causes of premature deaths in the world, as stated earlier.

Causes: There could be many reasons for borderline hypertension, with our lifestyle choices being the most important cause for this problem. Listed below are some of the causes of borderline hypertension.

  • Age: Blood pressure usually increases with age, with borderline hypertension appearing between the late thirties and early forties.
  • Genetics: It is a fact that genes play a role in increased blood pressure, which is why if someone in your family has high blood pressure; there is a high chance that you too may have it.
  • Lifestyle Choices: Poor dietary choices as well as lack of physical activity play a big role in borderline hypertension. Excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption have also been linked to this condition.
  • Insulin resistance, also a lifestyle related problem, is another condition that contributes to borderline hypertension.
  • Other conditions that are suspected to cause borderline hypertension are low birth weight, lack of nursing, and maternal smoking.

Signs: Listed below are some of the signs of borderline hypertension.

  • High heart rate
  • High cardiac output in the resting state
  • Reduced coronary reactivity
  • Psychosomatic conditions such as lack of assertiveness, tension, sensitivity, and signs of motoric unrest
  • Signs of organ damage

Treatment: Borderline hypertension usually does not require medication to control. However, listed below are a few things that you can do to help your blood pressure remain in the normal range.

Diet: Consuming a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and low in salt and fat is one of the best ways to maintain your blood pressure in the normal range. Eating foods such as oats is also recommended. This type of diet is known as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).

Exercise: Exercising is one of the best ways to ensuring that you do not have high blood pressure. Moderate exercising for about half an hour a day is recommended in order to lose weight as well as reduce blood pressure levels.

Borderline hypertension is not a serious problem if treated. With proper diet and minor lifestyle changes, this condition can be managed quite effectively. However, if you suspect that you have this problem, it is a good idea to consult with a general practitioner as he or she would be able to help you get your health back on track.

References

  1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12470446
  2. deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/33701/1/0000213.pdf
  3. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7083520