In the long run, increased pressure can cause health problems, including heart disease. These conditions make you more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Certain chronic conditions can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, such as kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea. Ask your doctor to test your kidney function through a blood and urine test and through the electrolytes in your blood; kidney problems can cause high blood pressure. So before you diagnose high blood pressure, your doctor will likely look at previous readings and possibly take another measurement. If they're still not sure, they may recommend additional tests with a home blood pressure monitoring system. And depending on your risk factors or other health problems, you may be referred to a ca
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