High blood pressure can lead to an increased risk of heart diseases and strokes. A high sodium diet is a common cause of high blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
When your heart beats, it pumps out a wave of blood. While travelling through your body, this wave of blood pushes against the wall of your blood vessels. This force creates blood pressure, which is written as numbers, such as 112/78 Hg. The top number called systolic number is the pressure when the heart beats whereas the bottom diastolic number is the measurement of the force of blood in your arteries when the heart rests between beats. Blood pressure increases and falls throughout the day, but is a major risk factor for serious health problems if it stays for a longer period. The normal blood pressure should be below 120/80mm Hg. High blood pressure scientifically termed as hypertension, which means the pressure in your arteries is higher than it, should be. Blood pressure of 140 systolic or higher and 90 systolic indicates the presence of high blood pressure. A rise in your blood pressure can also result in other conditions such as blindness, kidney disorders, and heart failure.
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Cause of High Blood Pressure
The problem cannot be cured, but can be managed very effectively by making some lifestyle changes and using medication, when required. In most cases, the cause is unknown. That’s why this is sometimes called the silent killer. However, there are some known risk factors for an elevated blood pressure in the body. There are certain conditions that are known to increase the risk of developing hypertension.
The risk of having High Blood Pressure
This list of people helps you know that if you are at risk of high blood pressure.
- People who consume too much of the salt
- People with a family history of hypertension
- People who are obese or overweight
- Those who consume too much alcohol
- Pregnant Ladies
- People who are physically inactive
- People who are older than 50 years
- African American
- Individuals with diabetes
- People who smoke
- Women who take contraceptive pills, have a mild kidney disorder or have a background of high blood pressure
It is said that the older you get, the greater your chance of developing hypertension.
Signs and Symptoms
Hypertension usually has no warning signs, the majority of people do not aware they have it. It is considered a silent condition. If it stays for a longer time, it can damage your heart and other vital organs. That’s why it is recommended to visit a health care center for a basic checkup on a regular basis. Be sure to talk your physician how often to have your blood pressure checked.
High Blood Pressure Treatment
Having elevated blood pressure does not mean that you are nervous and tense. You can be relaxed and calm and still have the problem. You don’t realize that you have it. The only way to know if you are suffering from hypertension is to have it checked regularly.
The problem can be controlled with medicine and some lifestyle changes. Your treatment can begin with one or more blood pressure medicine. There are numerous medicines available to treat high blood pressure. Some are available with the ability to eliminate salt from the body to decrease blood pressure while others with the potential to slow down heartbeats and relax blood vessels. You may be prescribed by any of the following classes of high blood pressure medications:
- Vasodilators
- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin II antagonists
- Renin inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- Centrally acting alpha-adrenergic
- Peripherally acting alpha-adrenergic blockers
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Preventive Measures:
Here are some preventive measures that can help you reduce blood pressure. By following these simple steps, you can create a healthy lifestyle. For best results, try to follow as many as you can.
- Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fats, sodium, trans fat, and added sugars
- Limit alcohol intake. Try not to consume one drink per day
- Stop smoking
- Add physical activities into your daily routine. Aim for 20 minutes of intense, moderate workout every day.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis
- If diagnosed with hypertension, take your medication exactly as prescribed by your health care specialist.
- Known the average blood pressure should be and work accordingly to keep it at that level
Try natural remedies to prevent hypertension.
At times, blood pressure medications can be harsh and should best be avoided if possible. You must know that natural remedies can have a great impact on your body function. Let’s have a look on ways to lower higher blood pressure with home remedies.
There are many things we can do to help control our high blood pressure levels. Along with lifestyle changes, it is also important to make healthier food choices at mealtime.
There are natural methods to reduce blood pressure levels without side effects. Try these home remedies for lowering blood pressure at home.
- Ginger & cardamom tea- Ginger and cardamom are two herbs that have been found to be extremely beneficial in reducing blood pressure. Combing these both can improve blood circulation and make your heart healthy.
- Nuts- When it comes to maintaining blood pressure levels, start by eating nuts. Pistachio nuts have the strongest effects on reducing blood pressure in adults.
- Onions– Onion contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant, which is helpful in lowering blood pressure. It also helps to treat chest pain and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.