SC Wisconsin News

In 2024, Americans frequently turned to Google with health-related inquiries, notably asking, "What causes high blood pressure?" This question emerged as one of the most searched topics according to Soliant Health, a healthcare job search platform that analyzed Google search data from the year. The interest highlights a growing awareness of hypertension and its link to severe conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.

Melissa Wendell, a nurse practitioner at Aspirus Cardiology, remarked on this trend: “People are starting to realize you can develop high blood pressure without any symptoms. They want to know what they can do to prevent it.”

Hypertension often develops over time but can be prevented. Wendell identifies several primary factors contributing to high blood pressure:

- **Unhealthy Diet**: “High blood pressure is often caused by a diet high in processed foods and salt,” says Wendell. A lack of potassium-rich foods also contributes.

- **Obesity**: Excess weight increases strain on the heart and stress on blood vessels.

- **Physical Inactivity**: “Exercise helps your blood vessels become more pliable and can bring down your weight, which lowers blood pressure,” explains Wendell.

- **Underlying Medical Conditions**: Chronic issues like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea are linked to hypertension. “If blood pressure stays high, it can lead to serious complications like chronic kidney disease,” Wendell notes.

- **Modern Lifestyle**: Wendell observes that hypertension is occurring at younger ages due to diets rich in salt and processed foods combined with decreased physical activity.

Wendell emphasizes that lifestyle changes can prevent hypertension. She advises reducing salt intake and avoiding processed foods while maintaining an active lifestyle for better health outcomes. For those concerned about their blood pressure levels, she recommends early action: “It’s important to know your numbers. See a primary care provider to identify any underlying causes and determine whether treatment is needed. Your provider can help guide you.”

Individuals seeking medical advice or looking for a healthcare provider are encouraged to visit www.aspirus.org/find-a-provider for more information.