Cardiovascular diseases have influenced millions of people worldwide, representing a foremost cause of morbidity and mortality and imposing a significant economic burden upon society. High blood pressure (Hypertension) is a conventional risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it has been in the last decade. It has become one of the prime contributors to the global load of illness. The worldwide occurrence of hypertension is more than 1 billion, whereas more than 7.1 million deaths may be accredited to hypertension annually.
Detailing hypertension and its causes
The force exerted by the blood on the blood vessels is called blood pressure (BP); elevated blood pressure is known as hypertension. High blood pressure is an open invitation to various health problems such as diabetes, heart problems, and many other critical health issues. Some of the major risk factors are mentioned below:
- Smoking
- Being overweight or obese
- Physical inactivity
- High salty diet
- High intake of alcohol (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)
- Stress
- Older age
- Genetics
- Chronic kidney disease
- Adrenal and thyroid disorders
Hypertension has two main types: primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, and secondary hypertension. In the former, there is no underlying reason for hypertension, and people may or may not experience any signs or symptoms. Though the exact reason is unknown, the above-written factors are the risk factors for essential hypertension. The latter is the condition with an identified reason behind it. Kidney diseases, adrenal gland abnormalities, and thyroid diseases are the factors that cause secondary hypertension.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a condition that produces the bare minimum signs and symptoms. Approximately one-third of individuals who have high blood pressure don’t know it. The only way to know high blood pressure is through regular checkups. Some of the signs and symptoms are:
- Severe headache
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blood in the urine
- Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears
- Fatigue or confusion
- Vision problems
- Difficulty in breathing
If you find any of the above symptoms immediately, contact the doctor, as untreated hypertension may result in serious health problems like stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and eye problems.
How to control high blood pressure?
Medication, diet, and proper exercise can manage high blood pressure well. Some remedies for high blood pressure treatment by natural way are as follows:
- Exercise regularly—Regular physical activity can lower elevated blood pressure within just a few weeks. A brisk walk for thirty minutes daily can reduce high blood pressure by almost 8 mm Hg over 6 mm Hg in patients with hypertension. Exercise helps the heart use oxygen more efficiently, decreasing the workload and high blood pressure levels.
- Eat a healthy diet—A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products helps to reduce high blood pressure. DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) is a recommended diet plan for patients with hypertension.
- Potassium-rich fruits and vegetables, such as peas, cantaloupe, tomatoes, orange juice, potatoes, bananas, kidney beans, honeydew melon, and dried fruits like prunes and raisins, help lower blood pressure.
- Soy or milk protein breaks down systolic blood pressure.
- In a study by Tufts University, it was found that participants who sipped 3 cups of hibiscus tea daily reduced systolic blood pressure by 7 points on average in 6 weeks.
- Restrict salt intake in your diet. Use herbs or spices to add flavor in place of salt.
- Some herbs, such as basil, cinnamon, cardamom, garlic, hawthorn, celery seed, French lavender, and cat’s claw, have a significant role in lowering blood pressure. Foods with medicinal properties that may help to reduce high blood pressure include water chestnut, Chinese celery, hawthorn berries, turnip, honey, and mung beans. Avoid processed food.
- Seek help for snoring—Don’t ignore if your partner complains about snoring, as it is one of the primary symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. The person with sleep apnea has a higher level of aldosterone, a hormone that can boost blood pressure. Proper treatment for sleep apnea also keeps blood pressure levels low.
- Avoid stress—Take adequate rest and keep yourself relaxed and calm, as stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Yoga and meditation can help you remain stress-free.
- Don’t use tobacco products- Chemicals in cigarettes and tobacco have deleterious effects on our heart and blood vessels that can impede their functioning and harm them.
- Drink alcohol moderately- Various studies reveal that a small amount of alcohol consumption lowers elevated blood pressure and increases the HDL, the good fat of the body. It is very harmful to take it in excess as it increases blood pressure and triglycerides.
- Medicinal Treatment—Various medicines, such as captopril, Amlodipine, Furosemide, Losartan, and Propranolol, are available in the market for the treatment of hypertension, but they are taken only on a doctor’s prescription.
Hypertension is an invisible killer that can cause serious health problems. It is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular problems. It is advisable that the moment you get diagnosed with high blood pressure, you immediately seek a solution. Eating a healthy diet and exercising help a lot in decreasing blood pressure levels. Your little consciousness about your health keeps you healthy. Remain stress-free and safeguard your heart.
Marie
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