Explain causes and effects of high blood pressure. [3 MARKS]
Each point: 1 Mark
1. High blood pressure is also called hypertension and is caused by the constriction of arterioles which results in increased resistance to blood flow. Hypertension is a serious condition which has become a growing problem worldwide. Blood pressure above 140 systole and 100 diastole is called hypertension.
2. Causes: The causes of hypertension can be attributed to lifestyle practices such as physical inactivity, a salt-rich diet through processed and fatty foods, alcohol and tobacco use, etc. Stress is also a major cause of hypertension.
3. Effects: The effects of hypertension can be an enlarged or weakened heart, to a point where it may fail to pump enough blood (heart failure),blood vessel narrowing - in the kidneys, leading to possible kidney failure; also in the heart, brain and legs, leading to potential heart attack, stroke or amputation, respectively, blood vessels in the eyes may rupture or bleed, leading to vision problems or blindness, etc.