Hypertension

Hypertension is persistent elevation of blood pressure that increases load on the heart, vessels, brain, kidneys and eyes. It often causes no obvious symptoms for a long time, but raises the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease.

Causes include genetics, age, excess weight, insulin resistance, alcohol, sleep apnea, kidney disease, some medications and chronic stress. Salt sensitivity differs, but blood pressure should be measured, not guessed.

Keto And Blood Pressure

On LCHF, blood pressure may fall in some people due to weight loss, lower insulin and sodium loss. If antihypertensive drugs are used, dose adjustment may be needed with a clinician, especially with dizziness or weakness.

What To Track

Home measurements morning and evening, pulse, weight, salt, alcohol, sleep and medications are useful. One random high reading is not a diagnosis, but repeated high values require assessment.

When It Is Urgent

Very high pressure with chest pain, shortness of breath, speech problems, limb weakness, confusion or severe headache requires urgent medical help.

How To Measure Correctly

Blood pressure is judged by a series of measurements, not one stressful episode. It is important to sit calmly, use the correct cuff size, measure at similar times and record numbers together with pulse, sleep, salt intake and medications.