More than skin deep

Most women are naturally vain about their looks. As a matter of fact, the cosmetic industry has become a billion-dollar business due to vanity or over-emphasized value attached to physical beauty. This business is all about how to enhance, modify, and improve a woman's appearance. Beauty products of all shapes and sizes, to be used from head to toe, are sold to meet the demands of an aesthetically-conscious female market. Of all the body parts of a woman, it is perhaps the skin that receives the most attention --- by the person and the companies that produce the products specifically to beautify that body part. The skin is actually the largest organ of the human body. Women pay particular attention to their skin, perhaps as much care as they put into their hair, because it is the most visible part of their body. A unblemished complexion, made more attractive and alluring by fancy dresses, jewelry and make-up, leads a woman to many doors and windows of opportunity. In a world obsessed with beauty and fashion, an attractive woman is expected to go a very long, long way in terms of her relationships, career and social life. But women's obsession over skin beauty should not only be for aesthetic purposes. The skin is the body's outer covering and functions as a protection from heat, infection, injury, and harmful ultraviolet rays. The skin also regulates body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. The skin has two main layers, namely: 1. Outer Epidermis - the outer layer of the skin mostly made up of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells. The deepest part of the epidermis contains melanocytes and these cells produce melanin that gives the skin its color. 2. Inner Dermis - this inner layer of the skin contains blood and lymph vessels, hair follicles, and glands. The glands produce sweat as part of regulating body temperature. It also produces serum, which is an oily substance that keeps the skin from drying out. When the sweat and serum reach the skin's surface through tiny openings called pores. When these pores are blocked, congested with dirt, or become infected, skin breakouts occur. Skin breakouts may come in the form of acne, pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, congested pores, and cysts. Preventing or controlling oily skin is a must for every woman, or person for that matter. Excess oil can block the skin pores and result in more breakouts. Skin care experts may opt to prescribe certain medications like oral or injected steroids, iodides and bromides to control excessive oil production. Certain jobs, usually those that involve working in the field or in hot environments, also contribute to skin problems. The unsanitary work environment prevents a person from maintaining skin cleanliness. SKIN CARE SOLUTIONS Some of the more common skin care solutions include the use of the following products: l Cleanser l Exfoliator l Moisturizer l Sunblock l Toner The use of these products help promote elasticity and good complexion. Proper skin maintenance takes more than just having a face-washing regimen. The use of these products is necessary to have a blemish-free skin. SKIN CARE TREATMENT 1. Vitamin C Antioxidant Concentrate - is proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen, it helps keep a youthful glow and delays the aging process of the skin. 2. 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Oil-Control Gel - is a mattifying gel base which dissolves excess surface oil. This treatment is highly recommend for oily skin types. A thorough skin care routine is important to keep our largest organ in tip-top shape. Other skin care tips that one should consider include having regular visits to a dermatologist; drinking plenty of water; eating a balanced diet; and getting enough sleep. To prevent skin allergies, it is important to be aware about the ingredients of every skin care product you use.

Need help quitting smoking

Little is known about nicotine, besides the fact that it is addictive because of cigarette smoking. Nicotine is included among the class of psychoactive drug in cigarettes, and when ingested, gives the smoker a mild euphoric feeling. Research has also shown that nicotine can be as addictive as heroine, alcohol, cocaine, and other hard recreational drugs, and is the most common form of chemical dependence here in the US. Not all smokers know that the average cigarette contains at least 2 milligrams of nicotine that is rapidly distributed to the brain within ten seconds of inhalation. These are just some harsh information about the dangers of smoking, and this alone could make the smoker get help in quitting smoking. Since most people who always start smoking again soon after quitting, the first few days of quitting is always crucial to one's success in getting rid of the nicotine addiction. Due to the effects of nicotine withdrawal, and the mere fact that they are not yet used to life without cigarettes, this may be the most difficult time for all smokers. But when prepared, those who survived without smoking may pass this stage much easier. Since the smoker's body and mind is used to smoking, it is helpful to have a number of items to substitute a stick of cigarette. If a person feels the urge to smoke, use either toothpicks, lollipops, sunflower seeds, mints, chewing gum, carrot or celery sticks, or even coffee stirrers in order to prevent the physical cravings of wanting a cigarette stick. Usually, a smoker may associate smoking with his or her different behavior while living with their daily activities. See if cutting back, or even eliminating them completely from one's daily routine can help in quitting smokingmon behaviors include drinking alcohol and coffee, smoking when during work breaks or between classes, smoking during stressful situations, smoking after meals, and while driving; and smoking as the first morning ritual. By identifying these behaviors, this can be a great way to help one predict their cravings and be prepared for such. Since quitting smoking can affect one's body chemistry, it is important to adjust one's diet so that one can provide nutrients that the body needs during this difficult time. Help flush out toxins from the body by drinking eight glasses of water each day. This will also keep the body hydrated and refreshed. Substitute milk, juice, or tea for coffee during breakfast, since caffeine is a powerful drug that can affect both the body's chemistry as well as one's mood. By eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding junk food, this could better regulate one's sugar and salt intake that could help in quitting smoking. Exercise can also be a good diversion from smoking, besides being great for the body and one's general well-being. Small, short bursts of exercise can help overcome those sudden rush of cravings that come out of nowhere. By doing exercise such as jumping jacks, crunches, short jogs, push-ups, a walk around the block, and bike riding --- one can gradually improve his or her health and outlook in life. At the end of the smoke-free day, be sure to reward yourself. By having a nice meal, buying new clothes, seeing a movie or concert, or buying the latest music CD --- you can replace your cravings for cigarettes with more positive and healthy rewards.

Sight to remember

The sense of sight is a very powerful tool to see the world. Through the eyes, one can perceive different things, ideas, and features, and even cultures for that matter. The eyes help us make sense of the world around us, even transforming thoughts into reality. Remember how the first sight of something new or attractive made you glow with wonder. Do you remember the first time you saw something spectacular like a huge waterfall...or a bright rainbow after the rain? Our eyes are the gateways to beauty and splendor. But the gift of sight is not enjoyed y everyone. Even people who are not clinically blind yet have certain impairments can lose a lot of the visual information that can be found around us. Some people with visual impairments get blurred vision, and much worse, visual migraine. A certain condition that deals with altered vision is called visual migraine. There is temporary visual disturbance caused by a vascular spasm in the brain, usually accompanied by headache. This so-called vascular spasm occurs when there is a decrease of blood flow to the “occipital cortex”, or the part of the brain related to vision. Symptoms of visual migraine may include seeing a “shimmering light”, distorted or blurred vision, pulsating and flashing lights, among others. The headache experienced with this kind of migraine can be very painful and debilitating. Nausea and vomiting are also experienced during a visual migraine attack. A typical episode of visual migraine lasts for fifteen to twenty minutes, then fades away. Fatigue is the common after effect of this kind of migraine. Symptoms of headaches related to the eyes are as follows: burning eyes, fatigue, migraine, sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia), nausea and vomiting, visual aura (certain visuals when a person is under visual migraine), throbbing pain, and headaches that begin after extensive use of the eyes, which usually happens after reading, using the computer, or watching television. Visual migraine is usually caused by stress and prolonged periods of exposure to bright lights. Using the eyes in a stressful manner or in any stressful activity may result in such condition. The use of eyeglasses can sometimes strain the person's eyes and may give headaches. Sometimes, headaches are felt if the person experiences sinus conditions, allergies, tumors, hypertension or hormonal changes, not really related to one's eyesight. There are three major types of visual disturbances when experiencing visual migraine. Being tired and stressed causes a formation of an irregular polygon of “nothingness” which is usually experienced following the headaches. The size of the circle of “nothingness” grows as time passes (for about half an hour), then disappears. Another type would also be associated to visual processing. This time, colors are seen but with irregular waves and distorted images. The last type is quite different. It occurs with patterns that are triggered by relaxation, and can quickly lead to a sense of unreality by somewhat getting a 3-D image from what the person already sees. If visual migraines are to be discussed further, it is factual to know another type of disorder related to visual migraine. Although rare, retinal migraine is also associated to the vascular spasm in which results in full loss of vision. This rare form of migraine causes total blindness in any of the eyes, and usually lasts less than an hour, also with recurring headaches. The headache may occur before or after this attack of retinal migraine. Having visual migraine or even retinal migraine can be disturbing for most people. Proper treatment of these said disorders may help in dealing with such apparitions, or even visual loss (retinal migraine).

The dangers of botox skin care

Botox is among the foremost skin care and skin alteration procedures available today, with an unparalleled ability to “remove” wrinkles and make the skin look younger and wrinkle-free. The treatment is effective but temporary, such that plastic surgeon's offices regularly get repeat customers for new injections of the compound. However, as popular as it is, botox is not always the safest choice for the type of skin care and beauty maintenance that it does. The name alone, botox, is an implication of the true nature of the substance: botulinum toxin type A. While the form injected into people's faces and used as a skin care tool is not the raw and potentially toxic form of the chemical, it can cause a number of unpleasant side effects. Upper respiratory infection is often reported as a side effect of botox use, likely a remnant of the effects the pure toxin had on the body. This sign is often accompanied by hypertonia, back pain, dizziness, violent coughing fits, and rhinitis. A general weakness has also been associated with this particular side effect of botox, usually because the toxin is interacting with parts of the body outside the intended area. While not toxic enough to be as lethal as it usually is, there are still enough poisonous elements in the typical plastic surgeon's botox formula to be very dangerous if it spreads beyond the intended area. According to statistics, roughly 12% of all botox cases suffer from this problem after being injected. Another side effect is primary a xillary hyperhidrosis, which entails excessive sweating, pain, and the possibility of hemorrhage. There is also the increased risk of infection in the injected area, along with other, minor discomforts. These minor signs include flu symptoms, headaches, dizziness, pharyngitis, and neck pain. The estimates of how many people develop these problems range from 3% to 10%, though these numbers are subject to speculation because the conditions of the clinical trials vary. Most experts do not take these trials to be indicative of the situation when put into actual medical practice. Blepharophasm, a condition where the eyelids close involuntarily, is also often associated with botox as a side effect. The involuntary closing of the eyelids is often caused by muscle spasms and may involve just one eye, though it is more common for both eyes to have the problem. Eye dryness, which often accompanies blepharophasm, has also been associated with botox injection cases. The effects can last for several days after the injection itself, but it has only been known to appear in roughly 4% of all botox procedures. Also, depending on just how diluted the toxic components of botox are in the formula, the patient might exhibit signs of being injected with botulinum toxin. According to some studies, a number of side effects that come with botox injections are caused by the body developing an immune system response to the injection. Essentially, the body fights off the biological effects of the injections (something it is unable to do if the toxin is at full strength) and prevents it from doing what it is supposed to do. While there is no data on just how this causes side effects, it has been linked as the primary cause of the problem. There were some indications that the closer the formula is to its toxic origins, the lower the chances of a successful immune response. Of course, that brings with it a new set of potential hazards.

Dieting by knowing your dairy products

This food group includes milk, cheese, yogurt and fromage frais. Calcium fortified soya alternatives to milk can also be included. This group does not include butter, eggs and cream as these fall into other food groups. Try to eat 2-3 servings a day. A serving of milk is a 200ml glass, a serving of yogurt is a small pot (150g), a serving of cheese is 30g (matchbox size). Choose lower fat versions whenever you can, such as semi-skimmed milk, low fat yogurt and reduced fat cheese. These foods provide: Calcium: needed for development and maintenance of healthy bones Zinc: required for tissue growth and repair Protein: needed for growth and repair, and also a source of energy Vitamin B12: required for blood cells and nerve function Vitamin B2: needed for the release of energy from carbohydrates and protein Vitamin A: (in whole milk products) for growth, development and eyesight Healthy eating tips • Choose low fat milk i. e. semi-skimmed or skimmed milk • Choose low fat yogurts and reduced fat cheeses Meat and Alternatives This food group includes meat, poultry, fish, eggs and alternatives (see below). Meat products include bacon, salami, sausages, beefburgers and patй. Fish includes frozen and canned fish such as sardines and tuna, fish fingers and fish cakes. Proteins are required for growth and repair. Proteins contain Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and sometimes Sulphur. Proteins are very large molecules, so they cannot get directly into our blood; they must be turned into amino-acids by the digestive system. There are over 20 different amino-acids. Our bodies can turn the amino-acids back into protein. When our cells do this they have to put the amino-acids together in the correct order. There are many millions of possible combinations or sequences of amino-acids; it is our DNA which contains the information about how to make proteins. Choose lower fat versions whenever you can. Some meat products, e. g. beefburgers and sausages, can be high in fat. Trim visible fat off meat where possible. The Government recommends that we eat two portions of fish each week, one of which should be an oily fish (e. g. salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines or fresh tuna).

Womenâ s health advice five powerful anti aging tips

Years ago, the word "anti aging" seemed to come only from science fiction movies. People joked about the Fountain of Youth and miracle medicines that were supposed to reverse the aging process to make one look 10 or 20 years younger. But today, anti-aging is more than a myth. Through scientific studies and the new cutting edge science in genomics, women are discovering that, by taking just a few steps, skin beauty and bodily cell health can indeed be encouraged. Here are five powerful anti aging tips for good women's health. 1. Check Your Lifestyle A lifestyle filled with health-threatening habits can be detrimental to your skin's health and beauty. Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages in excess, eating poorly or overeating, sunbathing, etc. all can speed up the aging process. Even taking anti-aging supplements may not help if you continue to do these things regularly. Remember, just as your bodily organs are affected by everything you eat or drink, so are your skin cells. 2. Eat for Good Skin Health Good women's health starts with eating healthy foods. Be sure to eat balanced meals with an abundance of leafy green vegetables and fruits. Eat protein-rich foods such as nuts or eggs to maintain good bone and joint health. Healthy eating and weight loss are both major contributors to good women's health as well as beauty for the skin. The anti-aging process is much easier when you provide your body with the nutrients and vitamins it needs to repair cell damage and build healthy new cells on a daily basis. 3. Drink Water The diet programs always cry aloud, "Drink water!" That's because there are so many benefits to drinking water. Water is needed to help the body function properly, inside and out. Water brings life to all your body parts - and your skin as well. It brightens your complexion, helps rejuvenate skin cells to promote anti aging, and adds moisture to your body. You'll be a well-oiled machine if you can commit to drinking plenty of water daily. Water is probably the most readily available anti-aging product you can get your hands on! So, replace those sodas (and diet sodas) with a healthy dose of water. 4. Stay in Shape Staying in shape with exercise will also help with the anti-aging battle. Exercise encourages good bone and joint health and helps with the flow of blood through your body. That's why many people say that exercise "gets your blood pumping!" The blood carries oxygen with it through your body, which is necessary for good overall health. 5. Use Anti-aging Supplements and Creams Through the cutting edge science of genomics, anti-aging products are now being developed to aid in cell rejuvenation, which is needed for slowing down the aging process. Genomics is the study of the complete DNA makeup of organisms. The recent discovery that is crucial to those interested in anti-aging products is that the repair of cells and the creation of healthy, strong cells is a major key to slowing the aging process. The new anti-aging products are all-natural and come in pills, creams or patches. Anti-aging products based on genomics help to provide the right amount of ingredients (vitamins and nutrients) needed by the body to repair cells and build new, healthy cells. These five tips combined can help maximize the results for your anti-aging efforts. You'll feel and look better than ever as you pass through the stages of life.

Hemorrhoids a real pain in the butt

Being afflicted by hemorrhoids is no laughing matter. The pain and itching associated with the condition can be embarrassing as well as distracting. There are a variety of solutions to help you overcome hemorrhoids and we'll discuss some of your options here. Exactly what are hemorrhoids? In short, hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the lower rectum or anus are swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids can be found internally within the anus or externally around the anus. The condition is often worsened as sufferers attempt to make a bowel movement. Other causes include: diarrhea, anal intercourse, pregnancy, constipation, and aging. Signs of hemorrhoids are observed through blood on toilet tissue, as well as blood found in and around the toilet bowl. A lump or painful swelling around the anus can be a physical sign as well as extreme itching in the same area. There are two methods you can try to actively reduce or eliminate the condition: 1. Apply a hemorroidal cream or suppository to the area affected. 2. Warm tub baths, several times a day, in plain water. To prevent future attacks you can take the following steps: 1. If constipation is a problem for you, increase your fiber intake to bring on smoother bowel movements. 2. Cut back on caffiene as coffee and similar products may exacerbate the problem. 3. Exercise regularly. In severe cases you may require a physician's intervention. Your doctor may suggest that affected tissue be burned or the hemmorhoid removed altogether. Other options include rubber band ligation or the injection of a chemical solution to alleviate the condition. Some cases of hemorrhoids simply go away on their own. In all cases you can control and even eliminate the condition by following the steps outlined for you.

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Ibs syndrome explained

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that results to recurrent upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain and altered bowel movement such as constipation, diarrhea or both. There is still no clear cause of IBS that is why it is termed as a functional disorder since there are no signs in the bowel and yet changes are observed from its previous functional quality. Irritable Bowel Disorder may cause a great deal of discomfort and distress but will not result in permanent harm to the bowel and does not increase chances of cancer. The good news with IBS is the fact that it can be cured by means of diet and medication. Irritable Bowel Syndrome can happen during any period of one’s life. The exact cause of IBS is not yet fully known however similar conditions in children have been observed and are believed to be the portent of adult IBS. Some factors like emotional conflict or stress tend to aggravate IBS symptoms but research findings have shown contrasting results. Emotional conflicts are no longer accepted as factors that cause IBS. In addition, studies also show that patients with IBS tend to develop overly sensitive bowels compared to those without IBS. It has been observed that patients with IBS even with minimal stimulation may easily distress their intestinal muscles. Accordingly, patients with IBS may strongly react to a stimulus that does not normally aggravate the bowels of a normal healthy individual. Ordinary occurrence in the large intestines such as eating or gas production may have adverse effect on the colon of an IBS patient. Certain medications as well as food may trigger IBS symptoms. Most of the foods that trigger IBS symptoms are chocolates, fatty foods, dairy products as well as grain containing products and even alcohol may aggravate and then trigger IBS symptoms. Caffeine may have laxative effects to some, but for IBS patients it is just one of those products that offend their digestive tract. Likewise, IBS is predominant to women with menstrual periods since reproductive hormones are believed to influence the course of IBS. There are two types of IBS and these are diarrhea-predominant IBS and constipation-predominant IBS. These two types of IBS suggest that chronic diarrhea and chronic constipation may be examined through the bacteria derived from bowel samples. And since metronidazole and vancomycin (both antibiotics) are effective in reducing diarrhea and constipation IBS, it is a clear indication that an overgrowth of bacteria in the bowel flora may actually cause IBS. Likewise, progressive nerve damage can develop and is exhibited by some patients with chronic constipation. It is really hard to pinpoint normal a bowel movement since various people have their own normal frequency. There may be some people whose normal bowel movement involves three stools a day while others may move their bowels everyday upon waking up. A healthy bowel movement is one that is formed but not hard, contains no blood and flushes out of the colon without unnecessary cramps or pain. If you suspect you are suffering with IBS, you should first consult your primary care physician before taking other steps.

Stretching yoga

Stretching and yoga aren’t just for swamis who can fold themselves up like pretzels, or movie stars who have nothing better to do with their days! It can be a beneficial practice to all who use it, and one doesn’t have to adopt the worldview of the swamis in order to reap benefits from it. The pace of our lives these days is crazy—some would argue destructive. Yoga proponents say that learning the art form will not make you dull, but more magnetic, and show you the importance of slowing down. Yoga’s ‘inactivity’ can insert a moment to breathe in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, can clear your mind, and re-energize you with just a few simple techniques. The first lesson in any Yogic theory is how to relax. This doesn’t mean you flop on the sofa and become a couch potato; instead it is defined as ‘a conscious transfer of energy from one department of nature to another….’ Even if you do this for 5 minutes at a time over a beverage, you’re on your way to relaxing. It will increase your efficiency—try it and see! Stretching involved in yoga can be very simple: lie on the floor without pillows. Remove your shoes and wear whatever is loose fitting and comfortable to you. Stretch your arms over your head while stretching your legs and feet. Close your eyes and let your head roll to one side. Now release each part of your body and consciously permit each limb, each ‘section’ of your body, to meld in to the floor. Permit yourself to feel as if you are sinking and think of a peaceful scene. This will likely feel very odd to you the first time you do it, but the relaxation that you bring each part of your body will be refreshing! Now we’ll work on stretching! Lie on the floor as you did for your full-body relaxation, only this time, interweave your fingers above your head. If you turn your palms upward, you’ll feel a bigger stretch along your ribs and spine. Stretch your arms as far above your head as possible, pointing your toes and pushing them towards the floor so you can feel every muscle between your head and feet. Once you have stretched every part of your body, release! Now go back in to your full-body relaxation mode, remembering to start at the head and relax your way down to your toes. Now work on the ‘complete breath’ that yoga teaches. Lying flat on the floor without pillows, place your hands gently on your diaphragm. Slowly exhale as much as you can. Very slowly begin to inhale through the mouth, evenly and without sudden stops. You will feel your diaphragm expand at this point—keep going. Now exhale through your mouth, using a slight force, expelling as much air as possible. You have just completed your ‘complete breath’ in yogic teaching! If you build up the number of complete breaths per day, you’ll notice less tension, better rest, and a more relaxed you. Release the stress of your day and become who you were designed to be!

What is hypertension

Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, hypertension is “abnormally high blood pressure and especially arterial blood pressure.” High blood pressure occurs when the arteriole arteries narrow, making it difficult for blood to pass through them. This forces the heart to pump harder to get the blood through. As the pressure increases above normal and is sustained, the result is high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a common problem. It is the most common chronic illness in the United States. Almost twenty five percent of Americans have it, and a significant number of them do not realize they have it. That is because high blood pressure causes few, if any symptoms, until it has reached an advanced stage. This makes it important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure is a very dangerous disease to have and leave untreated. High blood pressure significantly increases a person’s risk for stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney disease, vision impairment, dementia, and premature death. Left untreated, high blood pressure can shorten a person’s life by up to twenty years. Despite these alarming facts, a little over fifteen percent of the people in the United States who have high blood pressure and know they have it do nothing to control it. There is no cure for high blood pressure but it is very treatable ( gothypertension/treatment) and is also preventable. Lifestyle changes, along with medication if needed, can keep blood pressure at a safe level. There have been substantial advances in knowledge about and treatment of high blood pressure in the past several decades. Increased awareness and medical advancements in regards to high blood pressure have helped decrease the number of deaths from strokes by seventy percent and the number of deaths from heart disease by more than fifty percent according to data from the Mayo Clinic. The risk of developing high blood pressure increases as a person ages. Race is also a determining risk factor. Black Americans have the highest risk of developing high blood pressure—about thirty-three percent of black Americans have it. Approximately twenty-three percent of white Americans have high blood pressure, making them the next highest risk group. Twenty-one percent of American Indians have high blood pressure. Eighteen percent of the American Hispanic population has high blood pressure and sixteen percent of Americans of either Asian or Pacific Islander descent have high blood pressure according to information from the Mayo Clinic. Family history is a risk factor as well. If high blood pressure runs in a person’s family they have a higher risk of developing it. Gender is another factor. Up to age fifty-five, men are more likely to develop high blood pressure. After the age of fifty-five, women have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Other factors that increase a person’s chance of developing high blood pressure include: being overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle, smoking or chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, and low potassium levels. Some illnesses raise a person’s risk of developing high blood pressure. If a person has heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol or sleep apnea they have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure. There are two different forms of high blood pressure, essential high blood pressure and secondary high blood pressure. Essential high blood pressure is the most common form of high blood pressure. It is also known as primary high blood pressure. It does not have any obvious causes. Secondary high blood pressure is when the cause of the high blood pressure can be attributed to another disease. Only five to ten percent of high blood pressure cases are secondary. Some of the diseases and disorders that cause secondary high blood pressure are kidney disease, renal artery obstruction, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hormonal abnormalities, and preeclampsia. It is common for people with untreated high blood pressure to have plaque accumulate in the major arteries of the heart. The plaque deposits reduce blood flow to the heart and can eventually cause a heart attack. High blood pressure narrows the arteries and blood vessels in the body. Getting oxygen rich blood to the heart becomes more difficult as the arteries get narrower. If the heart cannot get enough oxygen, it will cause a heart attack.