High blood pressure or hypertension involves a great many older people. It is believed that 15-20 percent of all deaths in the United States in people over fifty years of age is due to high blood pressure.
Causes: Many factors may be responsible for causing high blood pressure. Hypertension is not caused by tension or stress, even though some would say it is. If you already have hypertension the blood pressure will go up during times of stress - but it is not the cause of it. Doctors are pinpointing some of the causes of hypertension. Hereditary is one of the biggest factors; it does run in the family. Obesity is also a major cause of developing hypertension. High sodium intake has been controversial in being the blame in high blood pressure. Studies now show that it can cause high blood pressure if your body is genetically sensitive to sodium and at risk of high blood pressure to begin with. Only about 10 percent of people with high blood pressure know what specifically caused their disease. For some it is a kidney abnormality, adrenal gland disorder or a congenital problem with the heart. Arteriosclerosis is one of the precursors of hypertension. It can be caused by nervous tension and disturbances of glands or the kidneys.

 People who have hypertension usually do not know they have it. Some of the later symptoms that signal the disease is in it’s later stages are: headaches, feeling of tiredness, vision changes, rapid pulse, sweating, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
Medicine has a way of treating this condition, depending on the specific case. This ranges from rest, change of job, diet to loose weight, low salt diet, and so on.
Life style changes are the key to lower your blood pressure. Some of the changes you can make are: Changing the way you eat and exercise will help lower your blood pressure.
Stop smoking. Losing weight will reduce your blood pressure. Reduce your sodium intake if you are genetically predisposed to hypertension. Avoid all foods that have the word sodium, soda or NA in the ingredients. These words indicate there is salt in the food. Also be aware of additives that contain monosodium glutamate and seasoning salts. Begin exercising 4 days a week for at least 20 minutes. Start eating a high fiber diet. Oat bran, fruits and vegetables, brown rice and wheat are all good high fiber foods.
Limit your fat intake.