High Blood Pressure is a common disorder in which blood pressure remains abnormally high (a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or greater) It increases the chance (or risk) for getting heart disease and/or kidney disease, and for having a stroke. It is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Regardless of race, age, or gender, anyone can develop high blood pressure. It is estimated that one in every four UK adults has high blood pressure.
The causes of high blood pressure vary. Causes may include narrowing of the arteries, a greater than normal volume of blood, or the heart beating faster or more forcefully than it should. Any of these conditions will cause increased pressure against the artery walls. High blood pressure might also be caused by another medical problem. Most of the time, the cause is not known. Food sensitivities can make the condition worse as can vitamin/mineral deficiencies.