Individuals with high blood pressure increase their risks of dying at an early age. For instance, in addition to lifestyle reasons for developing high blood pressure, hereditary plays a part too, such as an abnormal sympathetic nervous system. Often, hypertension runs in families, which means that diet and exercise alone will not resolve the condition. If not diagnosed and treated early enough, grave damage to the heart, the development of artery stenosis, kidney disease, vena cava syndrome, and peripheral artery disease may occur. This is especially true for people with long term, untreated hypertension. This is why early diagnosis and proper medical treatment such as, blood pressure lowering medications, a walking program, and a low sodium diet, greatly increases overall health and longevity.

Because this silent killer rarely exhibits symptoms, the best advice for all individuals whether they wonder if they have hypertension or not, is to schedule regular health exams with their family physicians. During the initial visit, blood pressure may escalate at first, then lower depending upon weight, climate, and stress. Most physicians will take a blood pressure reading at least twice during the first appointment. The reason for this is, the reading may be high simply from the patient walking down the hallway to the examining room. Once the individual is settled and is feeling calm, a blood pressure cuff will be placed on the arm and the reading will be taken again. If the diastolic numbers have lowered, the pressure may be perfectly normal. But if the numbers haven't and instead have increased dramatically, then further tests should be performed to rule out hypertension. The physician will convey quite firmly in most cases, that for a healthy lifestyle, blood pressure must be reduced to optimum numbers from both the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure as well.

Treatment for reducing hypertension (high blood pressure) depends upon whether the condition is genetic or a lifestyle problem. The latter is easy to treat simply by diet and exercise and rarely are blood pressure lowering medications prescribed. There are several different medications such as the Ace inhibitors, which work by reducing the hormone responsible for causing the arteries to contract, thereby keeping them supple and relaxed. The most common ace inhibitor is Lisinopril. Beta blockers work by reducing the signal in the nervous system that raises blood pressure. A commonly prescribed medication is Carvedilol. There may also be a diuretic prescribed to prevent fluid retention. In conclusion, if diagnosed with high blood pressure, ascribing to eating properly, exercising to reduce stress, and taking the medications prescribed, are all positive choices that contribute to overall good health.