Hypertension – the silent killer!

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Each year, high blood pressure, also called hypertension, leads to the premature death of five million people worldwide. Sadly, the rate of death from high blood pressure increased nearly 30 percent in the last decade alone. This silent killer has become an epidemic among nearly all ethnicities, genders and age groups. So, what should YOU be doing to avoid being one of these statistics.

High Blood Pressure… What is it?

What is blood pressure? Blood pressure, at a basic level, is the force pushing on the arteries by your blood as it passes through them. Someone with high blood pressure has a force that is putting higher than normal pressure on the arteries. This puts more stress on the body and the heart has to work much harder to get the blood pumped through the arteries. Consequently, it can actually enlarge and damage the heart, possibly leading to a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm and other heart problems if left untreated.

How is Blood Pressure Measured?

Testing your blood pressure is extremely quick and simple. The actual measuring of blood pressure is done with the help of a blood pressure monitor, which most people are familiar with. It is highly recommended that you get your blood pressure checked regularly and particularly if you think you suffer from high blood pressure. Unfortunately, there are no symptoms for high blood pressure, hence the name ’silent killer’. There are many monitors available for personal use, measuring the BP from the arm, wrist or finger.

Once tested, you will get a readout showing two numbers. Your blood pressure is measured as one number "over" another number, such as 120/80. The top number is your systolic pressure or the measure of the blood pressure while the heart is beating and the bottom number is your diastolic pressure or the pressure when the heart is at rest.

What is considered High Blood Pressure?

The results of the test will vary depending upon a number of factors. Height, weight, fitness level, age, pregnancy and general health of a person are all significant. In a normal adult, a reading of greater than 140/90 over three consecutive readings measured at greater than six hour intervals. In a pregnant woman, it is defined as a reading over 140/90 over two consecutive readings six hours apart.

Is there a cure for high blood pressure?

Fortunately, there is a natural way to lower your high blood pressure. It is also highly recommended to seek medical advice if you suffer from hypertension. Unfortunately, many high blood pressure medications (diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, alpha blockers and vasodilators) can have very unpleasant side effects. Adopting some, or all, of these recommendations will help reduce your blood pressure and get those numbers down.

1. Try and exercise for 30 minutes continuously at least 4 times a week! Exercise equals a strong, efficient heart. If this is too much for you, something as simple as a brisk walk can help.

2. Lose those extra pounds! This might appear impossible… however, you would be surprised what will happen if you eat smaller portions and keep exercising!

3. Pass on the salt pot! Sodium reduction is a key to your high blood pressure treatment.

4. Eat more grains, fruit and vegetables.

5. Reduce your intake of alcohol.

6. Potassium is helpful in lowering your blood pressure. Eat bananas, citrus fruits, low-fat milk and some vegetables.

7. Dietary magnesium. Potassium and magnesium usually go hand-in-hand for lowering blood pressure. Eat whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables and most nuts.

8. Calcium is important. This mineral will be a god-send to hypertension sufferers. Consider low-fat dairy products and calcium supplements.

9. Garlic has become a popular supplement and should be part of your regular dietary intake. It is no wonder, it has great benefits to help your high blood pressure. Capsules are available if you don’t like that curry.

10. What about hawthorn? A powerful natural anti-oxidant can help get that BP lower.

11. Multivitamins can lower your blood pressure.

12. Try to relax, if only occasionally! I know it sounds simple, but you would be surprised how this can help.

Finally, don’t stop here! This is just the start for getting your life back to normal and lowering your blood pressure. You are dealing with a deadly disease if left untreated.

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