Hypertension - Cause and Treatment

Hypertension or high blood pressure does not cause people to have a short temper as some people may think. Actually, hypertension does not have any symptoms. Studies indicate that about one in three American adults have hypertension, but because there are no symptoms, about one in three of these people are unaware of it. If it is left untreated, it can lead to heart disease, kidney damage or stroke. These reasons are why hypertension has been labeled as the silent killer. The only way to tell if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Although intensive and costly research has been conducted on hypertension, determining the precise cause of hypertension has been elusive.
Doctors have been unable to determine the specific cause of hypertension in about 90 to 95 percent of all cases. This type of hypertension is labeled as primary or essential hypertension. Although the precise cause of primary hypertension has yet to be identified, researchers have been able to find common attributes in people with primary hypertension.
Studies indicate that primary hypertension only occurs to people with a daily intake of salt that exceeds 5.8 grams. Heredity and race were proven to be factors in 30 percent of the cases that were studied. People with a family history of hypertension were twice as likely to get it. And the number of cases of hypertension was greatest among African Americans. Also most of these test subjects exhibited increased stiffness or resistance of their peripheral arteries. This stiffness has been linked to genetic factors, obesity and lack of exercise, excessive salt intake and old age.
About 5 to 10 percent of the cases of hypertension can be attributed to some specific cause and is called secondary hypertension. Chronic kidney diseases, oral contraceptive pills, adrenal gland tumors, chronic alcohol abuse and coarctation of the aorta are known causes of secondary hypertension. Coarctation of the aorta is the most common cause of secondary hypertension in children.
Doctors have not been able to find a cure for primary hypertension, but they have been able to determine treatments that might lower blood pressure to levels that will prevent the complications of hypertension. Secondary hypertension can be managed by treating the underlying cause. If you are a person with mild or moderate hypertension who does not have any damage to the heart or kidneys, you could consider a change in your lifestyle. These changes include maintaining a healthy body weight, lowering the amount of salt you consume, giving up smoking and reducing your consumption of alcohol. Some doctors recommend aerobic exercise for 20 minutes at least 3 to 4 times every week. An eating plan that has been proven to reduce blood pressure is the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan. This eating plan is from the DASH clinical study, which was paid for by the National Institutes of Health. This diet consists of fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy foods. This diet is low in cholesterol and fat; and high in calcium, potassium, magnesium and protein. Something else you might consider is a relaxation technique such as meditation, yoga, biofeedback and hypnosis.
People with moderate or severe hypertension will probably have to use one of the numerous drugs that have been developed to treat hypertension. These drugs include beta-blockers, diuretics, calcium-channel blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. People with heart failure, diabetes, or asthma should use beta-blockers with caution. If you have heart failure, kidney disease, or diabetes, then you should use ACE inhibitors. Situations involving more severe hypertension may require a combination of two or more of these drugs. These drugs mustbe taken on a daily basis since they only control and do not cure hypertension.

Information On High Blood Pressure

Information on high blood pressure on the Internet is widely available, however it can be rather reader unfriendly and not really explain why hypertension occurs and is also unlikely to give information on natural methods to regain control over elevated blood pressure.
The number of people being diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) each year is on the increase. It is believed that about one in three people in the United States have elevated blood pressure levels and that of this third, a third of them are undiagnosed.
One of the main reasons for the increase of essential hypertension (hypertension with no medical cause) is being blamed on the lifestyle choices that are being made, including:
- Diets that are high in sodium/ salt, high in fat, and consisting of a lot of processed foods - Sedentary lifestyles, and jobs that do not require physical exertion- Poor lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive alcohol intake and taking recreational drugs- Being overweight/ obese
It is believed that as more countries embrace the "westernized" way of living, the number of people with hypertension will increase to an amazing 1.56 billion by the year 2025.
High blood pressure has been coined the "silent killer" as in most cases there are no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild and are not associated with high blood pressure. It is only when the condition becomes severe that symptoms generally start to show, and at this stage the condition can become imminently life threatening.
It's a condition that people can have it for years, and the complications may not appear for a long time, but the longer a person has hypertension and the higher the blood pressure is, the greater the risk of complications like a stroke, kidney problems and heart attacks.
When blood pressure is measured there are two readings, the systolic and the diastolic. These indicate the blood pressure when the heart contracts (the highest blood pressure reading) and when it relaxes (the lowest blood pressure reading). Both these readings are important, and although usually they elevate together in most cases, if only one of them is abnormal there may be cause for concern.
A blood pressure reading is usually shown as one number above the other with the higher systolic figure being shown above the lower diastolic figure.
The readings are usually measured in mmHg, which means millimetres of Mercury (Hg is the chemical symbol for Mercury). This comes from the way that blood pressure can be measured using mercury filed tubes that rise and fall dependent upon a persons blood pressure.
Diagnosing hypertension is relatively easy, although unless the readings are a concern it is likely that more than one reading will be taken to get a baseline reading. This is to account for some of the many things that can impact on blood pressure levels, including coffee and tea, physical activity and anxiety, including the well known "white coat" anxiety.
If a person is found to be pre-hypertensive, or hypertensive, then a doctor will normally identify a treatment plan. This may involve a number of lifestyle changes and dietary changes, and dependent upon the severity of the condition, there may be the need for medication to lower blood pressure levels as soon as possible.
For long term reduction, a person will need to adopt certain lifestyle changes and remove or reduce some of the factors that have been proved to increase the chances of increasing blood pressure.
The importance of making these changes cannot be overstated, as they will significantly reduce the risk of recurrence of the condition.
Changes that should be made include:
- Changes to diet, reducing the levels of foods that contain salt or sodium- Reduction in fat and processed foods from the diet- Increasing the volume of fresh vegetables and fruit in the diet- Follow a regular exercise regime - Stop smoking, and reduce or stop alcohol consumption- Go on a diet to lose weight.
This list may look daunting, but there are resources that can help you find the information on high blood pressure that you need. See below for more information.

High Blood Pressure Control - What Can You Do To Gain Control Over Hypertension?

So, what does someone need to do in order to gain the high blood pressure control they seek? In this article we will take a look at the various steps a person should take in order to get the right balance in their lives so they are able to lower their blood pressure and keep it low.
The first thing a person should do, and probably the simplest is to regularly have blood pressure readings taken to ensure that they are showing a improvement over time with their efforts. These checks can be carried out by either visiting their doctor or health professional, or they can do it at home with a home monitoring kit.
These particular kits do exactly the same job as the blood pressure monitor you see at your doctors, but it means that measurements can be taken on a more regular basis and at the same time of the day to avoid natural daily fluctuations that can skew the readings. Although it is worth taking your machine into the doctors to ensure that the two readings are similar to give you a baseline to work from.
If a person is overweight and has been diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) they should start to follow a diet and exercise plan that sheds the excess pounds. One of the major causes of hypertension is due to people being overweight or obese. This places additional stress on the heart as it needs to work harder in order to get the blood around the body to all those essential organs and areas of the body that need the nutrients, minerals, vitamins and oxygen that it is carrying.
Generally after you have been diagnosed with having hypertension your doctor may provide you with a diet that can help reduce blood pressure levels, which is low in salt/ sodium, low in fat and processed foods and high in fruit and vegetables.
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Regular physical activity is also advised, as it will help reduce the weight, suppress appetite and lower blood pressure. Even a few minutes per day can make a difference to blood pressure levels. It is important to carry out activities that elevate the heart rate, as cardiovascular exercises have the most beneficial impact. Although, if it has been a while since a person has exercised, or they are overweight, then they should get a physical examination before starting an exercise regime.
Recommended exercises include brisk walks, swimming and bike riding. Start out slowly and then gradually build up when your body feels comfortable.
A doctor may prescribe hypertension medication for the condition. These are generally used to quickly bring high blood pressure to within more normal levels, however, without lifestyle changes the levels may soon rise again.
Ensure that any medication prescribed is taken as instructed. The biggest cause of malignant hypertension (a very severe form of hypertension) is caused by misuse, or not following prescriptions correctly.
For many people, making lifestyle changes and removing the habits that increase the risk of elevated blood pressure levels, and choosing "healthier" habits, and dietary choices they will soon start to achieve the high blood pressure control they seek.

Are You In The Right Blood Pressure Range?

High blood pressure is like many health conditions; each person will be able tolerate different ranges of blood pressure levels and they will have differing effects on each persons body. There are some guidelines that can help the medical community apply a standard approach dependent upon the blood pressure range they fit within.
This can be a bit of a blunt approach to the problem, as the point where elevated blood pressure (hypertension) becomes a problem is different for each person. But in general, as these guidelines are based on the average readings across a large population they can be considered as relatively accurate.
Interestingly, the numerical ranges that are used in different countries vary and are set by the medical community in each region. This is generally because some races have different tolerance and research has shown in those regions what is an acceptable risk.
In the US for people to be considered as having a "normal" blood pressure reading they would need to have a reading of 120 mm Hg or less for their systolic pressure and 80 mm Hg or less for their diastolic pressure.
It is worth noting that blood pressure levels can be naturally lower in children.
To clarify, the systolic reading is derived from the contraction of the heart and is a measure of the maximum pressure on the arteries during the time when the left ventricle of the heart contracts.
The diastolic reading is the measure of the blood pressure taken after the contraction has occurred. It should be the lowest arterial pressure reading during the cardiac cycle.
The mmHg references the way that blood pressure has historically been taken, and refers to millimetres of Mercury (chemical symbol Hg). A person's blood pressure has historically been measured through the use of a sphygmomanometer, which often has a glass, or plastic tube that contains mercury, which rises and falls dependent upon the arterial flow. Now electronic equipment is replacing the mercury filled devices, although the measurements used as still based around the older mercury system.
Normally a doctor will only diagnose a person suffering from hypertension after they have a number of readings that are elevated, as there are a number of factors that can influence readings, including medication, general health, exercise, coffee and tea and anxiety and stress. Therefore it is important to get a "true" reading over some time.
"White Coat" hypertension is one example of a condition when a faulty or skewed reading must be eliminated if there is going to be an accurate reading. This is when a person feels natural anxiety when visiting a surgery or the doctor, which has the effect of raising blood pressure temporarily.
There are a number of stages of hypertension, which can be identified as following.
Normal blood pressure levels - indicated by a systolic reading up to 120mmHg, and a diastolic reading up to 80mmHg.
A person is Pre-Hypertentive when they have a systolic reading of between 120mmHg - 139mmHg OR a diastolic reading of between 80mmHg - 89mmHg.
Stage 1 Hypertension is when a person has a systolic reading of between 140mmHg - 159mmHg OR a diastolic reading of between 90mmHg - 99mmHg
Stage 2 Hypertension is when a person has a systolic reading of between 160mmHg - 179mmHg OR a diastolic reading of between 100mmHg - 109mmHg
And stage 3 Hypertension is when a person has a systolic reading of 190mmHg or higher OR a diastolic reading of 110mmHg or higher.
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Obviously the higher the blood pressure range you are within, the more risk there is of a serious complications like stroke, heart attack or kidney problems.

How To Treat Benign Hypertension

Benign Hypertension is a term used to distinguish the condition from the more aggressive and severe malignant hypertension. It is usually diagnosed when there are elevated blood pressure levels for a long period, which may be progressing at a very slow pace, and so any damage being caused may take many years to develop.
If blood pressure levels of someone with benign hypertension shoot up, then it can be referred to as going into a "malignant phase".
The numbers of people with high blood pressure is on the rise with, it is estimated, about a third of all people in the US having the condition. And a third again are thought to be people with undiagnosed high blood pressure.
Of those who have been diagnosed, about 50% of them are believed to be not taking the prescription medication given to them by their doctor correctly. This is a major concern as not taking medication as prescribed is the biggest risk factor in a person suffering from malignant hypertension, which is a life threatening condition.
Most people who are diagnosed with high blood pressure are able to take steps to bring the levels to normal after some changes to lifestyle, diet, exercise regime and potentially medication. And if this is done early enough they can reduce the risk of complications like stroke, heart attacks and kidney problems.
It is understandable that there are so many people who have not been diagnosed witth this potentially deadly condition. There are either no symptoms, or there are potentially mild symptoms like headaches and nausea, which could easily be confused for other problems or dismissed.
This is why it's called the silent killer, and is considered as one of the most important conditions to educate people on.
The risks of high blood pressure are increased by certain genetic factors, medical factors and lifestyle choices, and it is predominantly the lifestyle choices that we are making that seem to be increasing the numbers of people diagnosed each year.
As more countries embrace the "westernized" lifestyle, including the high fat, high sodium, highly processed diet, the less active jobs and increased stress, it is believed the numbers of people with hypertension will increase dramatically.
One estimate is that the number of people with high blood pressure with reach 1.56billion by 2025, causing a huge burden on many of the health services around the world.
There is a very simple way to check if a person has high blood pressure, a 2-minute process, which can literally make the difference between life and death. Having regular checkups should be a regular activity, especially if there is a family history of hypertension, a person has had kidney or cardiovascular problems, or if they are overweight, with a poor diet and are aged over 35.
Although the phrase "benign" when referring to benign hypertension, seems to suggest that it will not cause problems. This is definitely not the case. If this is the diagnosis a person has received, then they should immediately seek to reduce their blood pressure levels, as every moment that blood pressure is elevated it increases the chance of complications.

How Is Hypertension Caused by St Johns Wort?

If like many people today you are using St Johns Wort in order to help treat a condition such as mild depression it is important that you are aware the effect this particular herb can have on blood pressure levels. Hypertension is a growing concern for many people, so is hypertension caused by St Johns Wort?
St Johns Wort supplement is extracted from a bright yellow hedgerow flower, and is well known for being used as a dietary supplement in order to treat mild cases of depression.
What has been found is that a compound known as Hypericin in St John's Wort has an affect on chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) in much the same way as many anti-depressant medications prescribed by doctors and health professionals do.
However hypericin reacts adversely when it mixes with Tyramine (an amino acid found naturally in the human body), which can lead to elevated blood pressure levels.
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Often a person will find if they have excess amount of Tyramine, which is found in various foods, and drinks, it can cause various reactions to occur. Below we list the symptoms a person may notice:
1. A fast rise in their blood pressure levels (hypertension)2. Severe headaches3. Their heartbeat becomes irregular
However, it should be noted that although these reactions may occur in some people they do not always occur in everybody.
It is important that if you are taking St Johns Wort you are well aware of what the actual signs and symptoms of hypertension are as well. And this is where the difficulty arises. Although some people may exhibit symptoms of elevated blood pressure like headaches and nausea, most symptoms do not surface until the condition is severe.
So, if you are at risk of elevated blood pressure it is important to have blood pressure levels checked on a regular basis when taking St John's Wort.
One way of reducing the risk of elevating blood pressure levels with St John's Wort is to reduce the consumption of certain foods and drinks which are high in Tyramine. Included within this are aged, dried, smoked, processed as well as pickled meats and fishes (especially herring, pepperoni and salami). Also reduce or restrict consumption of chicken liver, cheese that has been aged, soy sauce and yeast or protein extracts (Vegemite and Marmite).
It is also important you decrease the amount of legumes, figs and raisins as well as the amount of alcoholic drinks that you have in your diet.
The majority of the research into St John's Wort has been carried out in Germany, and the researchers that have been involved confirmed that there should be no impact on blood pressure levels if a person stays within the normal dosage of St John's Wort. However, this should be discussed with your doctor to ensure this is applicable for your circumstances.
Some people may feel that the elevated blood pressure they are suffering with is hypertension caused by St Johns Wort, and although this is unlikely, they are better to stop taking St John's Wort until it can be excluded as a cause and the high blood pressure treated successfully.

Unravelling The DHEA Hypertension Connection

DHEA, or as it is scientifically referred to Dehydroepiandrosterone, is produced by the body naturally from the synthesis of cholesterol. It is the most abundant hormone in the body and a precursor to the production of other hormones, which are required to allow the body to function healthily. But, is there a DHEA hypertension link or is there little proof to show that DHEA effect our blood pressure level?
DHEA is released by the adrenal glands and in smaller quantities by the ovaries and testes. It can be converted to other hormones like estrogens and testosterone.
There has been much interest in the link between DHEA and ageing as the levels of DHEA peak in about our twenties, and slowly decline throughout our lives, to the point that we have about an 80% reduction.
This has led many people to believe that replacing DHEA can have the effect of slowing down ageing, and improving those illnesses and conditions whose risks increase as we get older.
There have been some studies that corroborate that DHEA can indeed help in some areas, but there have been no clinical studies that show supplementing the diet with DHEA will have a marked benefit on reducing hypertension. Although, there has been some suggestion that an increase in DHEA may elevate blood pressure and this is something that would need to be monitored closely.
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Like any other necessary substance that the body needs to function well, a deficiency in DHEA can lead to a number of symptoms, including, fatigue, feeling depressed and anxious, sensitivity to noise and a loss of libido.
However, many of these symptoms can also be related to other conditions, and it would be good to get checked out by your doctor if they are persistent.
There are also physical signs of low levels of DHEA, and they include dry eyes and skin, loss of body hair from the pubic region, head and armpits and an increased likelihood of the skin becoming inflamed.
On the other hand, excessive amounts of DHEA can encourage greasy skin and hair, acne, body odor and women may find that they get increased facial and body hair growth.
As we get older the levels of DHEA reduce. This may have led many to believe that there is therefore a causal link between high blood pressure and DHEA. The evidence at the moment is not strong to suggest this link exists, and although there maybe further studies carried out in the future, the DHEA hypertension link at the moment does not seem to be compelling.

Are You On Your Way To Malignant Hypertension?

Malignant hypertension is when a person has very high blood pressure, and it is usually accompanied by a swelling of the optic nerve called papilledema, and can also lead to major organ damage. In most cases the person's blood pressure readings will be over 240 and 120 for their systolic and diastolic readings respectively.
It is more common among people of African origin, but it can also affect those people who smoke heavily. Also, there is about 1% risk that if you have high blood pressure you may go on to develop malignant hypertension.
Unfortunately malignant hypertension does not restrict itself to a specific age group or gender; young children, young adults and pregnant women could all be susceptible to this problem as well.
As this particular condition is difficult to control (meaning bringing the blood pressure back down to a level that is considered to be normal) it can cause damage to other vital organs in the body as well, including the heart, brain, eyes, kidneys or a person's blood vessels. In most cases the damage caused to the major organs and the arteries can be irreparable.
Many people who suffer with this form of hypertension will very often exhibit certain symptoms such as headaches and vomiting. Whilst for others they may find that they do not produce as much urine as normal.
Other symptoms include abnormal feelings in their limbs (arms and legs) as well as other areas of the body. Plus there are the chances that a person will have problems with their vision becoming blurred or fuzzy.
A number of people may show some psychological and mental symptoms, including suffering with anxiety, and have difficulty becoming settled (restless), whilst others will be the complete opposite and feel sluggish and find it difficult to concentrate.
Another symptom of malignant hypertension includes chest pains and difficulty breathing (in some cases a cough may also be present) and potentially a general weakness in the body.
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If caught early and immediate medical attention is administered to lower the elevated blood pressure, then damage can be minimized. However, if the condition is allowed to continue, and the person effected does not seek immediate medical attention vital organs are likely to become damaged which can lead to severe complications or even death.
It cannot be stressed enough that if a person has not had their blood pressure checked recently, or they are showing the symptoms of hypertension then they should seek medical advice immediately.
The treatment of malignant high blood pressure needs to be carried out carefully. The doctor will be aware that it is important to bring the elevated blood pressure under control as soon as possible. But if the blood pressure is reduced too rapidly, then this can also cause complications for the person.

Discover All About CoQ10 in Treatment of Hypertension?

A number of studies have pointed to the fact that the addition of a simple supplement to the diet may go some way to alleviating high blood pressure. So, is there a place for CoQ10 in treatment of hypertension?
Hypertension is one of the leading causes of disability or death in many “industrialized” nations, including the US, UK and Western Europe. The complications from untreated hypertension can include a stroke, heart attack or kidneys failure. Currently around $10 billion each year in the US is being spent on the detection and treatment of hypertension.
The cost of medical treatment and the increasing interest in being responsible for our own health, and in some part the distrust we have for prescription medication and their potential side effects, has led a lot of people to look for more natural alternatives.
CoQ10 is a substance that naturally resides in our cells, found in the mitochondria, which is the part of the cell that is responsible for producing the energy the cell requires to function. CoQ10 is involved in the creation of ATP, which is an important molecule and serves as the cells major energy source, and controls a number of functions like muscle contractions and protein production.
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Normally the human body contains around 500-1500mg of Coq10 but as we grow older this amount slowly begins to decrease. C0Q10 is also an antioxidant, which sweeps up free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and tamper with DNA, and also cause cell death.
CoQ10 was discovered over 40 years ago, and since that time a number of studies have been carried out to identify how it can be beneficial to our health.
During more recent research it was found that those people who have either suffered heart failure, are obese or have some kind of gum disease can often have insufficient Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in their bodies. Plus a CoQ10 deficiency has been implicated as being a potential cause or prevention for people with hypertension, those who have heart attacks or strokes or people suffering with muscular dystrophy – although further research is required to confirm this.
One of the more compelling studies in a 12 week, placebo controlled trial, concluded that after the 12 weeks had elapsed those that took 60mg of CoQ10 twice per day had a mean reduction in systolic blood pressure.
In another study, which involved 78 people with type 2 diabetes, the findings concluded that CoQ10 significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and that coQ10 was well tolerated and did not interfere with the medication being taken for hyperglycaemia.
There seems to be compelling evidence that CoQ10, in treatment of hypertension, can be beneficial. However, there needs to be more research to better understand if this is because there is a deficiency in CoQ10 which is causing the elevated blood pressure, or it helps reduce blood pressure even in those that are not deficient. Talk to you doctor before starting any supplement regime.

What's the Right Hypertension Treatment for me?

Hypertension treatment can take many forms and medication is not the only option. Some patients may even resort to herbal remedies and treatments such as raw garlic. A qualified doctor, however, will be able to provide you with a range of safe and successful hypertension treatments. When deciding upon a treatment, it’s important to consider the patient history and the fact that not all medications are a good fit and therefore not a default for all hypertensive patients.
When a patient is diagnosed with initial Stage 1 hypertension; diuretics form the frontline of the hypertension treatment protocol. Diuretics are a medication type that seeks to remove any excess water of salt from the relevant organ, the kidneys. There are three separate forms of Diuretics used in therapy:
• Thiazide Diuretics – Work by promoting heavy water excretion through the kidneys and are usually used as a long term treatment to hypertension.
• Potassium Sparring Diuretics – Work by maintaining a level of potassium in the blood which causes large amounts of liquid to be drawn from the kidneys.
• Loop Diuretics – Act in a similar fashion to Thiazide’s and extract a huge amount of water and sodium from the kidneys. This hypertension treatment is often used during an emergency due to its effectiveness. Loop diuretics are also used when thiazide’s lose their effectiveness.
Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers is also a fairly new form of hypertension treatment. ARB’s mode of action will differ slightly from the above treatments by targeting the blood vessels for an increased blood flow. ARB’s act by opening up or dilating the major blood vessels which in turn allows a greater flow of blood through them. This in turn assists the heart in the pumping of essential blood around the body hence resulting in a lower blood pressure. ARB’s are also rumored to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure. The medications of choice for ARB’s are, Irbesartin, Losartin and Valsartin.
ACE inhibitors are quite similar to ARB’s, in fact, ARB’s are derived from ACE inhibitors and both have a good treatment protocol. Both medications are extremely successful in hypertension treatment and are beneficial to patients in a heart disesase risk category. Common ACE inhibitor drugs include: Captropril, Enalapril, Benazepril, Fosinopril and Trandolapril.
Beta Blockers are also a successful treatment option of hypertension sufferers. This form of hypertension medication achieves its reduction of blood pressure by reducing the heart pumping or contraction strength which in turn reduces the pressure of the blood pumping through the arteries. Beta-Blockers are generally world renowned due to the fact that they increase the life expectancy of the heart. The commonly available medications are: Atenolol, Carvedilol, Timolol, Bisprolol, Metroprolol.
Similar to Beta Blockers, Calcium channel blockers also work by decreasing the hearts contractions but they also decrease the force of blood entering the arterial system. Often this process is referred to as dilation and is an extremely effective form of hypertension treatment.
These days hypertension treatments are varied and numerous and really depend upon the background and risk factors of the patient. Unfortunately, there are still difficulties with treating the disease and further research and drug development will be required to stay at the cutting edge of treatment options.

Detecting Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure is the result of a high rate of intensity being applied by the blood flowing into the artery walls throughout the body. This happens when a person’s elasticity is reduced in their primary arteries. Knowing what Hypertension is does not mean that it is easily recognizable and treated.
Here are some easily identifiable symptoms of Hypertension that can arise in any person with cause. Although these are common symptoms of many different problems and diseases, when coupled together they give a strong case for a trip to the doctor.
• Chest pains: usually accompanied with heavy breathing.
• Heart Palpitations: can occur along with headaches, dizziness, nausea and nosebleeds.
• Severe headaches: scientists have revealed that individuals with hypertension experience more of these headaches then people without.
• Fatigue and Confusion: usually accompanied with a rapid heartbeat.
• Tinnitus: sounds like a buzzing in the ears, can be due to other factors but when coupled with high blood pressure, the buzzing is greater than ever before.
• Blurry Vision: is one of the most common symptoms of hypertension. It is usually accompanied by headache, nausea and nose bleeds.
• Weakened Bladder: in the evenings, having the constant need to urinate frequently.
• Flushed Face: can happen because of long sustained high blood pressure. Can be seen in the arms and legs as well.
• Vertigo: the feeling that the world spinning beneath you. Usually occurs with other symptoms such as headache, blurry vision and nausea.
Hypertension is caused by several exacerbating factors like excess salt in his or her diet, excess alcohol, stress, lack of exercise and obesity. Even some medications for example, birth control pills, some migraine medications and certain cold medicines.
High blood pressure and Hypertension can be treated many different ways. Traditionally a change in lifestyles comes first, which means losing excess weight and a change in diet habits. Second, different medications can be prescribed to treat the symptoms such as alpha-blockers, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.
Having regular check-ups with his or her doctor will help diagnose any signs of high blood pressure or hypertension and let them treat it accordingly. Without treatment, Hypertension can cause many complications in the future like aortic dissection, congestive heart failure, heart attach, stroke and kidney failure. It is worth a trip to the GP when several of these symptoms come up together. The sooner Hypertension is diagnosed, the easier it can be treated and can avoid any permanent damage to the heart and other organs.
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Different Causes of Secondary Hypertension

Studies show that approximately 10% of hypertension cases are caused by other diseases. This is called secondary hypertension. In most cases of secondary hypertension, when the main cause of the disease is treated, the blood pressure returns to normal. Secondary hypertension is normally caused by the following:
• Chronic kidney failure
• Adrenal gland diseases or tumors
• Narrowing of the aorta
• Pregnancy
• Use of contraceptives (pills)
• Addiction to alcohol
• Thyroid problems
On the other hand, 90% of hypertension cases do not have a known cause and this is referred to as primary hypertension. Unlike secondary hypertension, primary hypertension does not have a specific cause. However, there are several factors that may lead to high blood pressure. These are the following:
• Obesity – This is a condition wherein a person’s weight is over 30% of what it should normally be. Obese people are advised to lose weight by exercising and maintaining a balanced diet. It is recommended that an obese person should lose weight until he or she is within 15% of the normal body weight.
• Inactivity – This is normally the cause of obesity that leads to hypertension.
• Heredity – The tendency of having high blood pressure also runs in the genes. If you have a relative or a family member that has hypertension, you are a potential candidate to have it as well.
• Age – Older people are more prone to hypertension because their arteries get harder over time. This is called arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
• Salt intake – Too much intake of salt can cause hypertension especially in people who have high sensitivity to sodium. An average person consumes at least 10 to 15 times more salt when eating fast foods or processed foods. Also, medicines like painkillers contain high amount of sodium that also cause high blood pressure.
• Alcohol intake – People who are sensitive to alcohol are more likely to have hypertension if they take more than 1 drink a day. This is because alcohol tends to increase the blood pressure.
• Use of contraceptives like pills – Birth control pills contains properties that increase blood pressure.
• Drugs – Stimulants like amphetamines, dietary pills and anti-allergy pills can also cause hypertension.
Consideration of the above factors can prevent both primary and secondary hypertension. Regular exercise and diet plus regular monitoring of your blood pressure are basically the most effective ways of preventing and treating hypertension. To obtain more information about ways to prevent and treat hypertension, it is best that you consult your physician.

What Are Hypertension Symptoms?

Hypertension or better known as “high blood pressure” is a very dangerous disease. It is often called the “silent killer” because most of the people suffering from hypertension do not know that they already have it. There are basically no hypertension symptoms at all. You will only know that you have hypertension if you have your blood pressure regularly checked. If you have a family member or a relative who is suffering from hypertension, you are most likely a candidate to have the disease as well.
If you have an extremely high blood pressure, you may experience the following hypertension symptoms below:
• Severe chronic headaches
• Physical and mental stress
• Vision problems (blurry vision)
• Chest congestion and pain
• Breathing problems
• Irregular heartbeats (palpitations)
• Blood in the urine
If you are experiencing any of the above hypertension symptoms, it is best to immediately consult a doctor for proper treatment. It is possible that you could be suffering from hypertensive crisis already and it is very dangerous because it may lead to stroke or heart attack. Hypertension can also lead to other serious ailments like kidney and eye problems. It is best to have your blood pressure checked so that you will know if it is within the normal level.
There are several categories of high blood pressure. They are the following below:
• Normal: Less than 120/80
• Pre-hypertension: 120-139/80-89
• Stage 1 hypertension: 140-159/90-99
• Stage 2 hypertension: 160 and above/100 and above
Since there are no hypertension symptoms at all, preventive measures should be taken. Proper diet like eating foods low in sodium (salt), cholesterol and saturated fat can be an effective way of avoiding high blood pressure. Eating foods that are high in potassium and calcium like fruits, vegetables, low-calorie dairy products and wheat is very good for lowering high blood pressure.
Also, most hypertensive people are obese. An obese person is someone who weighs more than 30% of what their normal weight should be. It is necessary for obese people to lose weight to reduce the risk of hypertension. Regular exercise is not only the key to losing weight but it also helps develop good heart and lungs.
Proper attention to the hypertension symptoms above can help you detect hypertension at an early stage. However, you can never be sure. It is still best to have your blood pressure regularly checked. And it is also best that you consult your doctor immediately if you think you are a candidate for hypertension. Always remember that “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”.

Garlic Makes Good Herbal Hypertension Treatment

Oh yes, garlic does help you reduce high blood pressure and completes your list of herbal hypertension treatment. Others may just regard garlic as an ordinary spice but, it is far more than that. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, garlic has positive and preventive characteristics and fights the killer hypertension. So just about what is present in garlic?
While bad breath may be the ultimate result for resorting to this kind herbal hypertension treatment, laboratory results show significant risk drop of one type of hypertension. The secret ingredient of garlic is allicin. The soothing effect of allicin relaxes the blood vessels when exposed to high pressure. This also prevents further damage of the blood vessel walls.
Garlic, as a herbal hypertension treatment, also has lipid-lessening effect. In a separate test, the garlic’s effect on cholesterol has remarkably dropped by 9 to 12 percent.
A European laboratory trial was also done comparing the effects of garlic to a commercial supplement that has lipid-lowering ingredients. The result was astounding, as the test showed that garlic has as much beneficial effect as the commercial drug has on patients.
Another review was also set and evaluated the effects of garlic as a herbal hypertension treatment. This showed significant reduction in platelet aggregation which means it can lower risk of thrombosis. This same test, also implemented on diabetic patients, displayed amazing results as it dropped levels of glucose on patients.
A separate assessment of the use of garlic as a potential herbal hypertension treatment illustrated a dip on systolic pressure by 20 to 30 mmHg and diastolic pressure by 10 to 20 mmHg.
To be able to extract the therapeutic benefits of garlic, one must need two or three cloves of garlic. Many patients, who believed in the power of garlic, prefer to take supplements as an odor-free alternative. A good herbal hypertension treatment, though, must be in its natural form. Doctors suggest the presence of garlic in meals. Others advise eating it raw while some prefer to make juice or broth out of garlic. It has to be noted, however, that chopping garlic will lose its allicinity in seconds that is why most doctors do not suggest intake of supplements.
The use of garlic as a herbal hypertension treatment is yet to be proven. Commercial drug rich in the allicin ingredient are available, though nature has its own way of treating illnesses. If you choose to go raw, find the freshest garlic there is. Just make sure you don’t take in excessive amounts of it as you will experience surprising effects on your stomach, not to mention an unpleasant odor it has.

Headache and Hypertension- Any Relevance?

There has been an age-old debate as to whether headache is closely related to hypertension. It is a medical truth that headache is one of the symptoms of high blood pressure. But hypertension, to be noted, has no clear symptoms and more often than not occur without signs. It is a silent killer. The question however is not how headache is connected to hypertension but the real question is: “what significant difference in headache is present between a hypertensive patient and not?”
Headache can be caused by many factors. In a common instance, it is a result of anxiety, work stress, emotional stress, excessive or inappropriate medication, temperature changes, fever, or physical accident. In a hypertension case, headache is decisive and sometimes illusive. Doctors suggest that headaches occur as an instantaneous result of high blood pressure. To a hypertension patient it is an after affect, however, to a person who has not known he has one or has none at all, how will he know if this headache has significance to his health.
A book in 1968 titled “High Blood Pressure”, nevertheless, did not sustain the notion that headache is an effect of continuous high blood pressure. Headache that is experienced by a hypertensive person is a result of psychoneurosis according to the author. An unusual condition or strictly, a mental illness that causes anxiety, distress and impairs proper function of organs. He strengthens this proposition by elaborating that a patient who suffers hypertension is usually mentally disturbed and thus the adverse result of psychoneurosis is headache.
The author of the book also pointed out that since headache is reason outpatients resort to doctors to check up if they have high blood pressure, adults have conditioned their mind to such idea. This is especially true in the United States and Great Britain. The author’s psychoneurotic theory, on the other hand, is yet to be proven.
To get a better view of variation of headache experienced by hypertensive people, skeptics are starting to look at surveys and what they have to say. In 1953, a study was conducted by doctors in the United States that observed and interviewed persons who were aware and unaware they had hypertension. Of the 12 persons diagnosed with hypertension, 10 reported occurrences of headache. While only 1 reported headache out of 6 persons who were yet diagnosed but were later found to have hypertension. This led to the conclusion of some doctors, that headache of hypertensive people, is caused by anxiety.

CoQ10 in Treatment of Hypertension

Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure is critically elevated. It has become a common disease and it is proven to be fatal. A lot of research has been conducted on how to cure its fatal effect and on how to prevent the occurrence of having one. Remedies are devised and are medically discovered to aid people with this disease. Among the most recent discoveries is the vitamin-like substance and antioxidant, the Coenzyme Q10 or medically termed as ubiquinone or CoQ10.
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance present in all human cells. It helps in the production of energy within the cells and is required to maintain the health of human body organs.
CoQ10 is also a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals in the human body. The oxidative damage of tissues and the oxidation of LDL cholesterol caused by free radicals can be prevented or cured with the help of this enzyme.
The coenzyme Q10 exists in human cells and is manufactured by the human body. Research shows that the Vitamin B-complex together with Vitamin C, niacin and folate aid in the conversion of an amino acid, tyrosine into coenzyme Q10. While this enzyme is found throughout the body, much of its density is stored in the heart and liver.
The aging of individuals and some degenerative factors have caused the production of CoQ10 to deplete in the heart in which it has the highest levels of the coenzyme. The deficiency of this substance is prone to the attack of hypertension.
The cure to CoQ10 deficiency is by taking a supplement of the same substance. Studies have shown that by taking the correct amount of CoQ10, adverse effects of hypertension are experienced.
Many of the supplements containing CoQ10 are out in the market today. This has been regarded as an alternative therapy in the prevention and cure of hypertension. Studies have been conducted concerning the beneficial effects of CoQ10 on the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The results are promising, leading to its approval for use in some countries like Japan as a treatment for heart failures.
The dietary supplement of CoQ10 is available in some countries such as Japan, the United States of America and in Europe. Its dosage for use is still critically studied as some mild side effects have been noted. It is always important to consult the doctors first before taking this supplement as this might have effects in combining its medication with the conventional medical treatments.

Confusion- A Symptom of Hypertension

Confusion is the result of a sudden mental malfunction associated with the inability to focus attention. It is a general symptom of brain dysfunction caused by many factors such as neurological, metabolic and even circulatory. The most common of the factors are the neurological disorders. One neurological disorder that can have effects to the circulatory system is the idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a neurological disorder characterized by elevated intracranial pressure, headache, papilledema, visual acuity and field loss without any neurologic abnormality in an otherwise healthy individual. It could be a severe case of a syndrome.
Why is this form of hypertension related to confusion? The symptoms brought about by this disorder would lead a human to a sudden loss of ability to focus attention. The blood pressure in the brain is elevated thus the normal function of a man is disrupted or even jeopardized. Confusion is a symptom of brain dysfunction. The brain has lots of nerve endings and blood-carrying capillaries. The blood carries food to the brain which is the oxygen. When the circulatory system is malfunctioned, the brain is also affected. It is a common symptom of a victim of hypertension to experience severe headache making him unable to remain his consciousness.
Confusion could be a mild or severe symptom of hypertension. Visual acuity and the inability to focus one’s state of mind are among the common signs of an individual having a mental and emotional stress. Stress, which is sometimes work-related, could eventually lead to heart failure.
How to free one from confusions and stresses that can eventually bring him severe heart ailments is a popular query? In these modern times where men are doing constant activities, stress triggers are always there. Humans have many priorities to focus on. The focus is distorted when they are heavily stressed-out. The deadly effect of stress is an eye-opener to humans. It is important that one should take care of himself. A better way to do this is through relaxation.
Relaxation is the key to a balanced well-being. A relaxed mind is free from confusions. The brain is functioning at a better pace when it is relaxed. Viewing the beauty of nature, visiting the church, spiritual worship, meditations and exercise are some of the examples to de-stress oneself. Hypertension could be prevented when one knows how to feel his body and relax it.
A confused mind is prone to stress. Stress could lead to hypertension. Hypertension leads to paralysis or even death. A healthy lifestyle and a balanced well-being can curb the ill-effects of hypertension.

Learning about Hypertension Complications

Hypertension or high blood pressure can lead to several complications, the most common of which is the narrowing and hardening of the arteries, a condition known as Arteriosclerosis. This happens when fatty deposits build up on the inner lining of the arteries, causing it to harden and thicken. When hypertension worsens, the fatty build up may rupture forming blood clots.
High blood pressure also causes aortic aneurysm wherein the aorta or the main artery expands because of the accumulation of fatty deposits. This is dangerous because the aorta may burst. Aneurysms may occur below the kidneys, in the chest or in the abdomen.
One of the most serious cardiovascular complications of hypertension that could result in heart failure is Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, wherein the muscles of the heart’s left chamber thicken as the heart works harder to pump blood.
Kidney complications can also occur when the blood vessels in the kidney become weak and narrow. When this happens, the kidney’s main function which is waste removal becomes affected. Unfortunately, the early stages of kidney problems caused by hypertension usually do not have noticeable symptoms.
Hypertensive retinopathy and severe hypertensive retinopathy are two complications of hypertension that effect the eye, particularly the retina. High blood pressure may damage the retina’s blood vessels and this may lead to headaches, problems with eyesight and even blindness.
Complications may also effect cognitive abilities and memory. Uncontrolled hypertension has been associated with senile dementia. Stroke is another complication of high blood pressure that occurs when the flow of blood to a part of the brain is cut off, causing the cells in that area to die. This may result in the permanent damage of the brain. High blood pressure increases the risk of having a stroke by 6 times.
With so many possible complications of hypertension, it is critical for a person with this disease to take active steps in controlling it. There are many ways to effectively lower blood pressure starting with making changes to one’s lifestyle. In particular, daily exercise is one effective way to fight hypertension. So is quitting smoking and drinking.
Dietary changes are also necessary, such as eating more health foods like fruits and vegetables, cutting down on fatty foods and reducing salt intake. You most likely have heard all these suggestions before and that is because they work. In fact, they are not only effective in reducing high blood pressure and preventing complications from hypertension but they also contribute to one’s over well-being.

Identifying Causes of Secondary Hypertension

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. The two types of hypertension are simply referred to as primary and secondary. The main difference between the two is the cause. Basically, when the incidence of hypertension has no known medical cause it is diagnosed as primary hypertension as against secondary hypertension caused by another medical condition.
According to the American Heart Association, 5 to 10 percent of hypertension cases are secondary, meaning the patient has an underlying condition that led to high blood pressure. In this case, treatment of these underlying causes for secondary hypertension is the key to controlling high blood pressure. It is important to restore the normal level of blood pressure because just like how one condition can lead to hypertension, hypertension can lead to several complications as well such as stroke and kidney failure.
Here are common causes of secondary hypertension:
A kidney disorder that develops into kidney failure will lead to excessive amounts of sodium and water being retained in the body, which usually results in hypertension. When high blood pressure sets in, the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys narrow making it difficult for the blood to flow to these organs. This condition will result to one type of hypertension known as renovascular hypertension. In most cases, this can be treated with surgery.
Adrenal tumors that are causes of secondary hypertension are pheochromocytoma, primary aldosteronism, and Cushing's syndrome. The last two types of adrenal tumors require complicated treatment, which unfortunately is not always effective in lowering blood pressure while removal of the pheochromocytoma has a better chance of treating hypertension.
Certain hormonal imbalances are also possible causes of secondary hypertension such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism or the overproduction and underproduction of the thyroid hormone. Excessive production of the growth hormone by the pituitarygland can also result in hypertension.
A sleeping disorder known as sleep apnea can also lead to hypertension. This condition is characterized by periodic stops in the breathing of a person during sleep. The good thing is that sleep apnea can be effectively treated by the use of a device that continually keeps the person’s airway open when sleeping, thereby, reducing blood pressure considerably.
Certain prescription drugs such as corticosteroids, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, epoetin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause secondary hypertension There are also some over-the-counter medications that can raise blood pressure including common pain relievers, nasal decongestants, and weight-loss products with caffeine. The illegal drugs amphetamine and cocaine are also known to increase the blood pressure.
Because there are a number of causes of secondary hypertension, it is important to learn about them in order to properly identify the appropriate treatment. Treating or controlling the causes of secondary hypertension is crucial to treating the resulting incidence of high blood pressure.

Calcium-Channel Blockers For Hypertension

All hypertensive patients who are undergoing an anti-hypertensive treatment agree on one goal – and that is to lower their high blood pressure. One of the controversial medications is the calcium-channel blockers.
Calcium-channel blockers, or sometimes referred to as calcium blockers, have been around lately in the field of anti-hypertensive drugs. Debates recently have stirred the efficiency of this product due to risk reasons. But just how effective really are calcium-channel blockers?
This drug takes its name from its working effect of soothing the blood vessels muscles and reducing the pumping power of the heart. These results in continuous and no restricted flow of blood thereby lowering the blood pressure. Some forms of calcium-channel blockers like diltiazem and verapamil are examples of these drugs that slow the rate of the heart.
Calcium-channel blockers can be used as a stand alone treatment or in combination with other anti-hypertensive agents like diuretics. Calcium-channel blockers work very well with African American hypertension patients, elder patients, and people who have hard time decreasing their sodium consumption. Patients with angina or a severe inflammatory or ulcerated condition of the mouth or throat may also find calcium blockers to be beneficial. These drugs also improve condition of people with coronary artery disease.
Potential side effects are triggered by calcium-channel blockers and among these are:
* Slow heart rate
* Constipation
Advances in medicine and recent studies however challenge the potency of calcium-channel blockers as relief medication to hypertension. Its popularity among the other drugs and its apparently low number of side effects did not escape calcium blockers from these controversies.
In the United States, it is estimated that about six million Americans dose with calcium blockers as medication. Scientists came up recently with articles stating that these drugs are indicative of higher risks towards heart attack. It even worsens angina and develops irregular heartbeat or arrhythmias according to the article. These claims were supported by a publication in 1995 called the Top Ten Medical Advances.
Studies printed in the Journal of the American Medical Association and in Circulation say that not all of the calcium-channel blockers available commercially are alike. Furthermore, it said that this agent contains what is called nifedipine which turned out to be risking factor of most heart attack cases.
The effect of nifedipine is unfavorable. Instead of reversing the rise of blood pressure, it may even promote hypertension. This is so, according to scientists, because calcium-channel blockers’ ability to reduce blood pressure may cause sudden impact to body. In this state, the body overreacts and heightens the production of adrenaline which ultimately results in heart rate speeding up.
These speculations however remain to be proven. The absence of evidence that hook the dreadful effects of nifedipine and calcium-channel blockers and the limitation of nifedipine presence have led manufacturers to come up with an updated formulation of these drugs that are tagged as longer-acting and gentler agents.

Your Alternative Treatment for Hypertension

The thought of having to take medications is harder than the thought of having hypertension. Most Americans do agree that they find it stressful to memorize and routinize dosages and prescriptions. Alternative treatment for hypertension is found out to be less demanding, though other people find some treatment to be too exotic. Preparation does not necessarily resemble the intake of regular pills and tablets. And this alternative treatment for hypertension is meant to be pleasurable and beneficial.
While most medications for high blood pressure are costly, enjoy this list of alternative treatment for hypertension that is readily available.
Garlic Drink
You might find this better than garlic dessert. Research shows that garlic contains a special ingredient found in nature called allicin. Tests revealed that allicin reduces the adverse effects of hypertension by easing and relaxing the walls of blood vessels. It also has lipid-lowering properties and lowers the chances of thrombosis.
To prepare a brew of garlic, boil a liter of water in a casserole. Add in two cloves of garlic. Cover the casserole and put off heat when a desired smell of the garlic spreads. Too much heat will destroy the allicins. A glass or two will do as an alternative treatment for hypertension.
Vapor Spa
To make use of the remaining garlic brew, you can use it also as vapor spa, an innovative alternative treatment for hypertension. Put a considerable amount of the brew in a container and place it under a chair. Then cover yourself with blanket, except your head, as you sit on the chair.
Banana Veggie Salad
Potassium rich foods are good in lowering high blood pressure. So why not make a salad from fruits and veggies like banana, tomato, lettuce and other fiber rich leafies. Nothing is new with this approach in alternative treatment for hypertension, just be creative and make sure you put on no dressing. Avoid mayonnaise. But you can use corn oil. Prefer fresh fruits and veggies all the time.
Tomato Juice
This alternative treatment for hypertension is easy to prepare. Pop in fresh tomatoes in a blender, pour in enough volume of water and there goes your tomato juice. Just don’t add salt or sugar. And oh, don’t forget to wash them before your blenderize.
The list of alternative treatment for hypertension goes on. It can range from the most exotic to the most common and sometimes ignored foods in your kitchen. Some would resort to treatments like eating raw grasses and making extracts of plants that may contain beneficial properties but also have harmful elements. To make it safer, consult with your doctor first. An alternative treatment for hypertension will only work if you are regularly taking it.

Hypertension - Some Things You Really Need To Know

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the leading health conditions plaguing the American population. It is dumbfounding to know that at least one fourth of the nation’s population is being treated for this disease! And what’s worse is that a large number of fatalities can be attributed directly and/or indirectly to this disease.
Take stroke as an example - Stroke is one of the leading hypertension-related diseases that are currently raging its vile effects to our people. Dubbed as “the silent killer”, stroke is causing no less than 147,000 deaths per year in this country alone! It has also left its mark on some 3 million people who have survived an attack but were severely disabled as a result of the disease.
Hypertension Defined
Hypertension or high blood pressure is usually defined as having a blood pressure reading equal to or above 160 (systolic) over 95 (diastolic). Some of the most common precursors of hypertension are arteriosclerosis and/or atherosclerosis. The cholesterol plaque build-up as a result of atherosclerosis and the hardening of the arteries brought about by arteriosclerosis can both lead to the constriction of the blood vessels and the imminent elevation of a person’s blood pressure.
Hypertension may also be triggered by a number of other factors. Smoking, obesity, stress, lack of physical activity or being sedentary, the excessive use of stimulants such as coffee or tea and high sodium intake may likewise lead to the development of high blood pressure. Other risk factors include genetics and the use of certain drugs such as contraceptives, steroids, decongestants and anti-inflammatory medications.
Aside from increasing the risks of strokes, hypertension may also lead to other complications and may cause blindness, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, adrenal tumors, kidney failure and heart failure, among others.
Hypertension is a serious disease that can have some very serious or even fatal complications. However, some people find it easy to disregard the condition due to the fact maybe that it usually shows no symptoms. Normally, the symptoms of the disease are only manifested when it has reached the more advanced stages. Among the signs to look out for can include headache, profuse sweating, an elevated pulse rate and shortness of breath. Dizziness and vision disturbances might likewise be experienced.
Since hypertension usually shows no signs, it would be advisable for you to visit your doctor regularly and have him or her to check your blood pressure. This is of utmost importance especially if you belong to one of the high-risk groups as mentioned earlier.
Diagnosing high blood pressure might be impossible to do in a doctor’s office with a single reading alone. To diagnose it correctly, you will need to constantly monitor your blood pressure at home. You need to buy a blood pressure cuff called a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope or you may opt to use an electronic blood pressure cuff, which is also available in most pharmacies. If you are still at a loss, you can always ask your pharmacist for a knowledgeable recommendation on which blood pressure monitoring kit to use and a quick demonstration to show you how it works.
Be vigilant in looking out for your own health. Do your research on how to save yourself from this debilitating disease and from the other health complications that it can bring. You can effectively put high blood pressure under control with some lifestyle changes and with a little help from your doctor. So, what are you waiting for? Start now!

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. If you are diagnosed with hypertension, it means that your blood pressure is too high and is putting too much pressure on the artery walls as it travels through the body. If undiagnosed or not treated properly, hypertension can cause serious damage to the arterial system, kidneys, brain and eyes. Hypertension may also result in death, as it is the leading cause of strokes.
A person is diagnosed with hypertension if their blood pressure measures over 140/90 on three consecutive measurements taken at least six hours apart from each other. Two numbers determine the patient’s actual blood pressure. The first number measures the systolic pressure. This number measures the cardiac output and tells the highest level of pressure in the arteries. The second number is the diastolic pressure. This number indicated the peripheral resistance and tells the lowest amount of pressure in the arteries. In other words, these two numbers comprise the range of pressure in the arteries.
There are several different types of hypertension. Primary hypertension can be caused by smoking, lifestyle, stress, or smoking. Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure resulting from some other illness, such as congestive kidney failure or heart failure.
Another form of hypertension is caused by pregnancy. High blood pressure beyond the twentieth week of pregnancy is called PIH, which stands for pregnancy induced hypertension. This can lead to a condition known as preeclampsia, which can place the mother and unborn child at serious risk. It can, in rare cases, lead to the mother’s death.
If you are diagnosed with hypertension, you doctor or nutritionist may discuss the DASH Diet with you. This diet is designed to help people lower their high blood pressure and make healthy lifestyle changes that are permanent. This is a low fat diet that requires the individual to increase the number of fruits and vegetables they eat each day. This will help the individual feel full, and they will not grab for chips and other unhealthy snacks in order to satisfy a craving. While you are on the DASH Diet, you are encouraged to increase your exercise schedule, which will also help you lose weight.
If diet and exercise do not lower your high blood pressure, your doctors may prescribe a medication to help control your hypertension. Before you go on any medication, be sure to discuss the pros and cons of the medication with your doctor. This will help you make an informed decision.

ACE Inhibitors For Hypertension

Another form of anti-hypertensive agent is ACE inhibitors. It gets its game from the fact that it inhibits the formation of angiotensin converting enzyme an important component in the body that is helpful in forming angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is responsible in restricting or limiting the blood vessel muscles to contract during the pumping of blood. This promotes rise of blood pressure. By hampering the formation of angiotensin II, the effect of ACE inhibitors directly soothes and relaxes the arterial muscles thereby decreasing its restriction to contraction and leading to the lowering of hypertension. ACE inhibitors are used by doctors to improve performance and pumping efforts of the heart, which makes it essentially important to heart failure patients.
Doctors and medical experts recommend the hypertension treatment of ACE inhibitors. This type of drug is well performing supplement to diuretics when they don’t work efficiently. Additionally, ACE inhibitors do not have effects on blood sugar levels and help protect the kidneys.
ACE inhibitors bear small damaging side effects. These are more preferred by patients than beta-blockers, alpha-blockers and diuretics. People who have asthma, high cholesterol and heart failure will not find it hard to take ACE inhibitors , since, these can even improve heart rate.
ACE inhibitors however are not made for everyone. Patients that suffer elevated conditions of kidney failure may be exposed to higher risk of kidney dysfunction and extreme rise of potassium levels.
Recent studies have also supported the adverse effects of ACE inhibitors in pregnant women. Doctors and experts suggest that the use of this drug should be prohibited all throughout the duration of pregnancy. While most birth defects causes remain to be highly unknown, significant evidences that link ACE inhibitors to such was found relatively alarming.
Side effects of ACE inhibitors include rashes or itching, dry cough, allergies, swelling of some parts in the body like lips, hyperkalemia or high concentration of potassium in the body. Dry cough is most commonly experienced by hypertensive patients taking ACE inhibitors. Again, people with heart failure are better off with these drugs. And diabetics may also opt for this anti-hypertensive agent. It is important however to take necessary considerations when medicating with ACE inhibitors.
ACE inhibitors must be taken on an empty stomach usually about an hour before the meal. Doctors often prescribe the time, number of dosage and the length of treatment. While under this drug, blood pressure must always be kept track of. Kidneys condition should also be regularly checked. Treatment with ACE inhibitors must be continuous until desired blood pressure of 120/80 is attained.

Hypertension - 6 Tips To Keep It Under Control

The figures are astounding! Approximately 63 million Americans have been or are being treated for high blood pressure. Rounding it up, this figure represents at least 25% of the whole American population! What is even more frightening is the report that every year, at least 32,000 of these people die as a direct result of the condition while the other 147,000 might die from stroke, a condition associated with high blood pressure – or hypertension!
However, the situation is not that bleak. There is still a ray of hope for each one of us, even if you might be suffering from this condition at present. Together with your doctor’s help, high blood pressure can be controlled. It surely wouldn’t be easy but all your efforts will definitely pay off in the long run.
To start you off on your journey towards a better health, here are some insightful tips that might help you in controlling your blood pressure.
Accept that you have a problem. Perhaps the most important step in regulating your blood pressure is to accept first that you have a problem. After you have fully come to terms with your condition, the healing begins.
Maintain a healthy weight range. It was noted that excess weight can significantly contribute to the elevation of your blood pressure. Consequently, a reduction in weight was observed to exert a favorable effect by lowering the blood pressure in most individuals. Can you believe that just by losing one pound off your weight, your blood pressure will likewise go down by at least two points? Severely hypertensive individuals, as well as borderline hypertension patients, will definitely reap a lot of benefits just by losing some weight!
Get your body moving! If you are just suffer mildly from hypertension, you should perform aerobic exercises for at least 20 to 30 minutes three times a week. This will help you in keeping off all those excess weight and will help in lowering your blood pressure by no less than 8 points! Well, if that isn’t reason enough to get on with an exercise program, I don’t know what else is! In choosing an aerobic exercise, go for one that you will truly enjoy. There are a lot of activities to choose from – from walking, jogging and stair-climbing to aerobic dancing, bicycling, skating, skiing, swimming and tennis! What is important is that you start moving and get your pulse rate elevated.
However, if you suffer severely from hypertension, it would be best to wait until you have your blood pressure regulated before trying on any aerobic exercises. A word of caution – avoid doing non-aerobic exercises such as weight lifting and push ups since they can rather be dangerous for people with hypertension. And as always, consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Cultivate a taste for a healthier diet. Your choice of foods can actually influence how your blood pressure behaves. So, it would be wise to start adopting a healthier diet. Try lowering your daily salt intake and use polyunsaturated oils such as canola and safflower oils in cooking your food. Potassium is also known to reduce blood pressure so you will greatly benefit in increasing your potassium intake. For best results, supplement your daily diet with at least 3 to 4 servings of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, currant, orange juice, raisins and yogurt.
Drink your milk. Calcium can also have a favorable effect in lowering your blood pressure so be sure to drink a few extra glasses of non-fat milk daily!
Live a healthier life. Limit your alcohol intake to one drink per day. Anything higher than this can trigger the onset of hypertension. And quit smoking, too. Nicotine not only elevates your blood pressure, it also increases your risk of stroke.

Stop Hypertension Naturally

Hypertension, high blood pressure (as it is commonly known), is at epidemic proportions in America. Second only to heart disease, almost 23,000 deaths were attributed to "hypertension" in 2004, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The NCHS also placed the percentage of deaths for non-institutionalized people, due to "hypertension", at 29% for the years 2001-2004. What cause of hypertension or symptom of high blood pressure has left Americans to miss the boat on this "Silent Killer." Why are so many dying in America from hypertension when fewer, percentage-wise, are stricken in countries like France, Spain, and Italy?
The answer to that question is a double-edge sword, so to speak. The cause of high blood pressure and the cure for high blood pressure intertwine when we discuss a high blood pressure diet and herbs for high blood pressure. Over the years, a consensus has agreed that there must be something in the diet of the European that is woefully lacking in the American diet. And indeed there is, the main cause of hypertension in America is diet and stress.
Once diagnosed with hypertension, a high blood pressure diet is usually prescribed to supplement the medication a doctor puts you on. This high blood pressure diet will consist of foods high in lycopene, a very effective antioxidant. Tomatoes (and tomato sauce and paste) contain the highest concentration of this cure for high blood pressure. Unfortunately, you would need to consume four tomatoes a day to positively impact hypertension. The great news is, a study conducted in Israel proved that taking a tomato extract supplement significantly reduced blood pressure levels after just four weeks. A 200 mg tomato supplement will provide the equivalent of over four tomatoes.
Another natural cure for high blood pressure that most likely explains the reduction of hypertension in Europeans compared to Americans is in the health significance of grape juice and red wine. Grapes are known to contain antioxidants and other phytonutrients (nutrients derived from plants). They have a small amount of fiber that is good for the heart and digestive system. Both grape juice and red wine are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. Also the moderate intake of red wine offers some protection against heart disease, which is an accompaniment to hypertension.
Some herbs for high blood pressure are Allium Sativa, more commonly known as "Garlic," and the Hawthorn Berry. Several scientific studies have shown that garlic helps lower blood pressure, and serum cholesterol levels. In fact, Europeans have used garlic as a hypertension herbal remedy for centuries. While the hawthorn berry is known for its ability to enhance metabolism and increase oxygen into the bloodstream. This allows for protection of the arterial walls and dilation of the heart's blood vessels, thus improving the pumping of the heart cells. This helps reduce blood pressure as expanded blood vessels allow the blood to move more freely throughout the body.
I have only scratched the surface of the cause of high blood pressure to be increased in Americans over the Europeans. As I have shown in this limited space, it is primarily linked to the differences in our diets. Healing hypertension can be accomplished! You can learn more about the cause of high blood pressure and high blood pressure treatment at GreatNewsHealth.

Is Hypertension Caused by St Johns Wort?

It is important to be able to recognize the signs of high blood pressure, but it is also important to know what can cause blood pressure to increase, so you can avoid these factors if you a prone to hypertension. For instance, not only can certain foods and medications impact your blood pressure, but so can some natural herbal remedies. In fact, hypertension caused by st johns wort, a herb commonly used to treat mild depression, can be dangerous for those who suffer from or are prone to high blood pressure.
St. john’s wort is a bright, yellow flower. Its petals are used as an herbal remedy that can be administered as a topical ointment for healing burns, but it is primarily used as an oral dietary supplement to treat mild depression. Studies have found that one of st. john’s wort’s active ingredients, hypericin, affects neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) in a similar way as antidepressant medications. The reason why the active ingredient is so effective is because it mirrors monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, which is the ingredient found in major antidepressant drugs.
How is hypertension caused by st johns wort?St. john’s wort can cause an increase in blood pressure because the hypericin ingredient that is similar to a MAO inhibitor, produces a powerful and dangerous reaction when mixed with the amino acid tyramine. Reactions that can occur when tyramine is taken in excess with this herb include a fast rise in blood pressure, severe headaches, and irregular heartbeat. However, it should be also stated that although these reactions can occur, there have not been frequent reports of such occurrences.
Nevertheless, until more is understood about the interaction, a person taking st. john’s wort should dramatically limit or avoid foods or beverages high in tyramine including:- Aged, dried, smoked, pickled or processed fish or meats (I.E. bologna, salami, pepperoni, herring, etc.)- Chicken liver- Aged cheese- Soy sauce- Yeast/protein extracts- Legumes- Over-ripe fruit- Figs or raisins - Alcoholic beverages including ale, beer, red wines, sherry and liqueurs.
It is also suggested that an individual taking st. john’s wort also limit their intake of caffeine.
Moreover, aside from being aware of hypertension caused by st johns wort due to the tyramine interaction, you should also know that like all herbs, there is a risk that st. john’s wort may interact with other medications, including those used for controlling high blood pressure. In addition, some users of the herb have also reported st. john’s wort caused a spike in their blood pressure when other prescribed anti-depressant and over-the-counter medications were taken with it.
Although, studies have found there is only a small reaction when other medications are taken with st. john’s wort, until further research can conclude the side effects or risks involved when taking medications in combination with the herb, it is highly recommended that those using st. john’s wort to treat mild depression not take any other form of medication, and also have their blood pressure checked regularly.
Finally, since hypertension caused by st johns wort is a possibility, individuals with high blood pressure, who have previously had high blood pressure, or who are prone to the condition, should avoid taking this herb. Speak to your doctor about other alternative remedies that do not increase the risk of high blood pressure if you suffer from mild depression.

Knowing Hypertension Warning Signs

Hypertension is known as the silent killer. Every year, millions of people are diagnosed with high blood pressure, but have very few, if any symptoms leading to the diagnosis. In fact, most people who are diagnosed with hypertension are diagnosed at a routine check up with their doctor. If left untreated, high blood pressure can put a strain on virtually every organ in you body, which is why it is so important to get an early diagnosis.
Millions of people who have hypertension are walking around without knowing they have a serious medical condition. Many doctors will tell you that if you have not visited your doctor’s office in the past year, then that should be considered a warning sign that you have hypertension. Again, because early treatment is in your best interest, early detection is essential. If you do not know your blood pressure, consider that a warning sign that your health may be in jeopardy.
Many of the warning signs associated with high blood pressure are only noticed when blood pressure is dangerously high. Very severe blood pressure occurs when blood pressure is higher than 160 over 100 or higher. This can lead to what is called a hypertensive crisis and can result in immediate hospitalization in order to get hypertension under control.
When a person develops the symptoms of dangerously high blood pressure, it is vital that they recognize the symptoms. These symptoms may include a pulsating headache that feels as if it is behind the eyes. This headache may also be more pronounced in the morning. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds, dizziness, and visual disturbances.
If you do not know your average blood pressure or have hypertension in your family, it is vital that you go to your general practitioner to have your blood pressure checked by a professional.

Color Therapy Is It Anti Hypertension or Hype?

Many claim that anti hypertension can be achieved through color therapy. This method works on the assumption that the brain is directly influenced by colors and their various shades, and that they may be applied to reduce tension. Some swear by this; others say it's completely false, nothing more than a placebo effect. Which side is correct? You have to decide that for yourself, so here are the facts.
Anti hypertension, as described by color therapy, occurs when certain shades are placed on the body. These colors can directly affect the area of the body on which they are applied. For hypertension, there are different hues for creating different positive influences. Purple, for example, can be used to calm the kidneys, magenta is said to promote their balance, and indigo is keeps away all signs of tumors. The theory is that these colors assist in keeping the kidneys healthy and prevent effects of high blood pressure.
So how does it work? There are multiple ways to use the anti hypertension therapy and they each have their supporters:
One: an individual can simply wear the color, often in the form of a necklace or crystal, and this will be enough. Even just putting on a shirt of a particular shade will have the right effect.
Two: meditation is required. Some believe that a person must find the time to picture a color in his or her mind. Rather than wearing the shade, the person will create an image of it, thus offering a more direct message to the brain.
Three: using external objects. Some say that using colored bulbs in lighting, for example, can be a form of color therapy. You can see the shade and your body will respond to it, rather than having to rely on picturing it in your mind.
Four: drawing tiny dots of color on the body part you wish to heal. Many think that this is the best approach as it targets the areas you need. A colored marker is utilized to draw the dots, which are then reapplied as the colors wear away.
But is this all true? Can you achieve a state of anti hypertension just by using color?
There is no real answer to that. Some believe in it and others do not. The ones who support it as a form of anti hypertension and also a method of healing all other ailments cite its longevity. Color therapy has been around for thousands of years and that certainly anything that has withstood the test of time must have some validity. Others claim that it is nothing more than an example of an extended trick on the mind.
Color therapy's validly becomes a choice to make on your own. It cannot be said for certain whether or not it has any effect on the body. What can be said, though, is that you should always consult with your doctor and learn the other steps to take to reduce your blood pressure and keep your kidneys intact. You should never just rely on only one method. Instead, talk to your doctor and discuss alternative and complimentary treatments.

Know Malignant Hypertension Before It Hits You

Malignant Hypertension is caused by a severe rise in blood pressure, which refuses to come down. This condition occurs when the diastolic blood pressure shoots up above 120 mm Hg. Why this characteristic rise or increase in blood pressure takes place is still a mystery.
Malignant hypertension is very common among the people of African origin. It is also found to effect heavy smokers. Those who suffer from high blood pressure are prone to this horrible disease. Youngsters, children and pregnant women, too, are vulnerable to it. Therefore, there is no age group or category of people who are completely immune to it. Since bringing down malignant hypertension is very difficult, it has a potential to damage some of our vital organs irreparably. The organs that usually get damaged are the heart, brain, eyes, kidneys and blood vessels.
The persons, struggling with malignant hypertension, may exhibit certain definite complaints. Headache and vomiting are frequent symptoms. Cases of confessional periods and less urinary discharge are not rare. Arms, legs and some other areas may experience abnormal sensations, and one may suffer from blurred vision. Malignant hypertension brings restlessness and anxiety. Sluggishness and poor concentration is also experienced by some. Acute weakness is felt and one may suffer from frequent chest pain and breathing problems with or without a cough.
What course would malignant hypertension take is rather unpredictable with the danger of injury to vital organs running high. The consequences could be life threatening, especially in case of the old and infirm.
A very careful approach is required for the treatment of malignant hypertension because if the blood pressure is suddenly lowered it may produce serious adverse effects. This sudden change is as dangerous as high blood pressure kept at a very high level for a long time uncontrolled. With the assistance of a well-qualified doctor, the high-pressure level should be brought down slowly. It doesn’t matter even if it takes several days to decrease the level, but it must be gradual. Carefully prescribed anti-hypertensive medicines should be administered to the patient. Total bed rest provides the much-needed relief and peace to the blood pressure strugglers.
Treated promptly and carefully, this disorder can be controlled to a large extent. When it comes to the malignant hypertension, the demarcation between life and death is actually very thin and feeble. Therefore, every possible care must be taken to get the blood pressure under control.

Combating Hypertension With Right Diet

High blood pressure is not an uncommon medical term. Often you see in magazines, newspapers, articles pertaining to its causes and remedies. But when you will find yourself suffering from it, you might be left dumb-founded with astonishment and disbelief. This is because you wonder as to how could it possibly hit someone as “healthy” and as “well” as you.
The next step, naturally, will be to find out the facts and reasons that contribute to high blood pressure. And you’ll doubtlessly find a great number of factors responsible for it. They will range from: genetic predisposition,continuous smoking,lack of physical activities,a highly stressful life,to over dosage of alcohol.
The fact is that the food we take determines whether or not we become hypertension patients. Here goes some medically tested advice for high blood pressure patients.
Lower the intake of sodium. That is, you need to lower your salt intake. Start taking whole foods including fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as these can effectively control the sodium intake without making you feel deprived of anything.
Having lesser amounts of frozen or canned foods also help in minimizing the levels of preservatives. The roles of three other minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium in controlling blood pressure is equally crucial. Bananas, beans and potatoes are not only rich in potassium but are also very affordable. Make them a part of your daily diet.
Low fat dairy and meat products are also recommended. In case of lean meat, it is better to eat them grilled than fried. Increase your regular intake of water and do no sink below your regular intake of eight glasses of water a day. Avoid using white flour and sugar as much as you can.
High blood pressure diet does not compel you to sacrifice your favorite delicious foods altogether. However preference should be given to healthy choices on a consistent basis, while you can, once in a while, enjoy a less healthy diet of your favorite food.
Make it a habit to keep in touch with your doctor often, which would help you monitor your blood pressure constantly and would also help you take timely measures to prevent it from rising to alarming levels.
Medications is not the cure, they simply bring the blood pressure under control. The only real cure is to eat healthy and live well.

Treating Hypertension with Excercise

People with hypertension are three times more likely to have a heart attack, five times more likely to develop heart failure, and eight times more likely to suffer a stroke than people with normal blood pressure.
The problem with high blood pressure is that nearly one third of the folks who have it do not know it because they never experience any symptoms. However, overtime the force of that pressure damages the blood vessels.
However, hypertension is not predestined. Reducing salt intake, adopting a desirable dietary pattern losing weight and exercising can all help prevent hypertension.
Quitting bad habits and eating a low fat diet will help, but the most significant thing that you can do is to exercise.
For this reason and after a series of careful considerations, some researchers have observed that exercise can prevent and effectively control this deadly disease. One study further showed that moderate exercise several times a week is more effective than extremely vigorous exercise done twice as often.
Such information has led some people to think of exercise as a cure for heart disorders, a fail-safe protection against hypertension or death. That is not so. Even marathon runners that have suffered hypertension, and exercise cannot overcome combination of other risk factor.
What Causes Hypertension?
Sometimes abnormalities of the kidney are responsible. There is also a study wherein the researchers identified more common contributing factors such as heredity, obesity, and lack of physical activity. Therefore, what can be done to lower blood pressure and avoid the risk of developing hypertension? Again, exercise seems to be just what the doctor ordered.
If you think that is what he will do, then, try to contemplate on this list and find some ways how you can incorporate these things into your lifestyle and start to live a life free from the possibilities of developing hypertension. However, before you start following the systematic instructions, it would be better to review them first before getting into action.
1) Check with your doctor before beginning any workout program, or if you make any significant changes in your level of physical activity.
2) Start at a low, comfortable level of exertion and progress gradually.
3) Determine your safety limit for exertion. Use some clues such as sleep problems or fatigue the day after a workout to check on whether you are overdoing it. Once identified, stay within it. Over-exercising is both dangerous and unnecessary.
4) engage in regular aerobic exercise for 30 or 40 minutes three or four times a week. Such exercise has been shown to lower blood pressure and prevent heart attacks.
5) The safest and best exercise is walking; swimming is a close second. People with higher levels of fitness may choose activities that are more strenuous.
There are certain herbs you can take to help with the lowering of your blood pressure also. Herbs like garlic, hawthorn, reishi, coleus, and dandelion are very useful in controlling your hypertension.

Hypertension Kidney Effects - What You Should Know

Hypertension kidney effects are well publicized into today's world of health consciousness. Doctors are constantly reminding us of their dangers. So why is it that so many people are still confused, not only by the idea of hypertension but the kidneys themselves? The answer is simple: you can't just say hypertension kidney effects are devastating; you have to explain what they actually are. Otherwise, people will continue to suffer needlessly. Hypertension can be avoided; kidney damage can be avoided. You just have to know what these things are and what to look out for.
Your kidneys work to remove extra waste and fluid from your body (on average, they process close to two hundred quarts of blood a day). When you have high blood pressure, however, this process becomes difficult--if not impossible. High blood pressure, which can easily become the more serious hypertension, constricts the blood vessels in your kidneys. With a normal range, usually one hundred twenty over eighty, fluids are uninhibited, able to move throughout the vessels. When your blood pressure reaches the level of hypertension, though, the blood vessels grow small and fluid cannot escape. This can have devastating effects on your kidneys and the rest of your body.
This is what hypertension does to you. It can be avoided, however, with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. You must, of course, consult with your doctor before undertaking any new sort of life regimen but the suggestions below are steps that most people can do:
One: lose weight. I know this is never what people want to hear, but to combat hypertension kidney effects, you should begin an exercise and dieting program and loose those extra pounds. Blood pressure correlates with the strain you put on your body; the more your heart has to work, the higher the numbers will be. You need to start a program that will help you lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Simple actions like daily walks and cutting back on calorie-heavy foods will do much to help keep your blood pressure under control. This will, of course, help you avoid hypertension kidney troubles.
Two: learn moderation. You must at the very least cut down on vices such as drinking or smoking. It is, of course, recommended that you stop these activities entirely. Hypertension has been directly linked to those with elevated drinking patterns. Overindulging when drinking and continuing to smoke just puts a greater strain on your body. Another thing to moderate is your salt intake; this is not just a seasoning. In truth, salt plays a vicious part of hypertension kidney effects. It can easily raise your blood pressure level and constrict blood vessels. There are plenty of other seasonings you can add to food to give flavor such as herbs, garlic or black pepper.
Three: take medication. Consult with your doctor about the value of certain medications and how they will effect you. Prescriptions like angiotensin converting enzymes have been proven to provide protection to the kidneys and keep blood pressure levels in a normal range. Naturally, if you have other health issues like diabetes, then certain medicines may not be available to you. Your doctor will be able to direct you to the proper ones.
Of course, you may not need medication at all. If your blood pressure levels are closer to normal, simple life changes may be enough to maintain a healthy number and keep hypertension kidney effects from occurring. Many find that daily exercise and dieting will dramatically lower their blood pressure. There are some debates over the value of certain diets, however (such as the vegetarian lifestyle and how it relates to hypertension). Still, you will find that the changes mentioned above are healthy choices to make when you understand how they work to keep you and your body in top form.

Do Your Have Hypertension?

Hypertension is the medical term for what is commonly known as high blood pressure. Blood pressure is an indication of how hard your heart is pumping. This changes constantly based on a person’s daily activities. When you are sleeping it falls, but when you are awake and active it rises. This is normal. However, the problem occurs when it remains elevated.
If you have this condition you are certainly not alone. Some 96 million Americans have it. Many though are not aware that they have it because most people have no symptoms. However, it is so serious that it may cost a person his life. If left untreated it can shorten a person’s lifespan by decades. High blood pressure must be treated as soon as possible, for even slightly above normal pressure can damage vital organs such as the heart, the kidneys, the brain and even the eyes.
The cause of this life-threatening disorder in most cases, about 95 %, is unknown. Doctors refer to this type as “primary” or “essential”. The other type known as “secondary” has a known cause and can usually be cured.
The “primary” form usually has a tendency to run in families. If your parents - or brothers or sisters - have it, you may be more likely to develop the condition yourself. One reason for this is because obesity can be a family trait. Studies have shown that of those who have this health problem, some 60 % are overweight.
There are other factors that can also put one at risk for developing hypertension. These include improper diet, too much sodium, lack of exercise and even one’s age, race and gender. For instance, the probability of developing high blood pressure is higher in men than it is in women; however, after a woman enters menopause she is more likely to develop this condition. It also occurs most often among the aged. However, among blacks it occurs at an earlier age and more often than in whites, especially among older black women.
Eating too much salt can have a great impact on the body. Most people eat more than they need. Our bodies require only a very small amount of salt to work properly. Some people are even said to be “salt sensitive”. When they eat too much their pressure goes up. Since it isn’t easy for a person to tell whether or not he has this sensitivity, it is best that all try to reduce their sodium intake.
Some people are able to control their high blood pressure with proper diet and exercise, with no medication. Others, though, need medication along with lifestyle changes. One recommendation is to lose weight by becoming more active. Aerobic exercise is very helpful because it causes your cardiovascular system to work much better. This lowers your blood pressure and helps to strengthen your heart. Bicycling, jogging, swimming and aerobic dancing are excellent forms of aerobic exercise. Of course you should speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because of the very damaging affect it has on the body, even though most people who have it don’t feel or look sick. Therefore, it is essential that all take the necessary steps of diagnosis and treatment, if needed. You may be happy that you did. For it could save your life!

13 Ways to Naturally Lower Your Blood Pressure and Relieve Hypertension

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a part of life for millions of Americans. High blood pressure medications are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs. But did you know that you can effectively lower your blood pressure without the use of drugs or medications?
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (as of 2004), blood pressure can be broken down into 4 segments.
Normal: Lower than 120 (systolic) over lower than 80 (diastolic) - lower than 120/80
Prehypertension: 120-139 (systolic) over 80-89 (diastolic) - 120-139/80-89
Stage 1 Hypertension: 140-159 (systolic) over 90-99 (diastolic) - 140-159/90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension: 160 or higher (systolic) over 100 or higher - higher than 160/100
Natural treatment aims to lower blood pressure to at least 140 over 90 for most individuals. However with prolonged natural treatment you may even be able to get your blood pressure back in the normal range.
The first step in lowering your blood pressure is to make sure your getting all the essential vitamins, nutrients and minerals required for a healthy cardiovascular system. The list below is a good starting point. I've only included the most important vitamins and nutrients, but these alone will help a great deal in lowering your blood pressure. Especially if you are deficcient in one or more of them (which if you have high blood pressure you probably are).
-Calcium - 1,500 - 3000 mg daily.
-Magnesium - 750 - 1000 mg daily.
-Potassium - As directed on label
(increase dosage of Potassium if taking cortisone or other high blood pressure meds)
-Coenzyme Q10 and Coenzyme A - As directed on label
-Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) (flax seed oil, or black currant seed oil are good sources)
-Garlic (2 capsules 3 times daily)
-L-Arginine - As directed on label
-Vitamin E - 100 IU daily for first month, then increase to 200 IU daily (DO NOT take Vitamin E if taking blood thinners)
-Vitamin C with Bioflavinoids - 3000 - 6000 mg daily in divided doses.
-Lecithin granules or capsules - 1 tbs 3 times daily before meals or 1,200mg three times daily
-Vitamin B Complex - 100mg of each B vitamin twice daily with meals.
-Vitamin B6 - 50mg 3 times daily
Along with getting the correct vitamins and supplements, their are a variety of herbal and natural remedies that have for a long time shown to be effective in treating hypertension.
I highly recommend Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup, as it has had some amazing results for a lot of people with high blood pressure/heart problems. You can order the syrup online. If you can't find it, you can just get Hawthorn berry tea or powder, which is also effective in lowering blood pressure.
One of the cheapest and most effective high blood pressure therapies is cayenne. Start out taking 1 teaspoon a day, and work your way up to 3 teaspoons (or more) each and every day. You can also take wheat germ oil when you take your cayenne in the morning. The two in combination often provide great results.
If you have symptoms of high blood pressure such as headaches and dizziness, you can take mistletoe, which has proven effective for the relief of both headaches and dizziness associated with high blood pressure.
Your should also try to completely eliminate salt from your diet. That means avoid anything with sodium , salt, soda or the Na symbol on the label. Also avoid baking soda, MSG, Aspartame and foods high in preservatives (foods with long shelf life generally). You should also avoid animal fats, aged cheese, caffiene, alcohol and tobacco (and other drugs). Avoid licorice as well, which can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure.
If you are taking an MAO inhibitor (a class of high blood pressure medication), avoid anything that contains the chemical tyramine or tyrosine. MAO inhibitors in combination with either of these chemicals can lead to a stroke.
I also recommend that you drink only steam distilled water (1 oz. for each lb of body weight each day).
Reducing stress will also have an immediate impact on blood pressure. You can try meditation or breathing exercises, or simple audio cd's that are designed to lower stress. There are many different stress reducing techniques, some more in depth than others. Getting sufficient amounts of sleep each night, in tune with the rise and setting of the sun, is also beneficial.
If you aren't already, you should strive for at least 30 mins of light cardio activity (such as walking) each day.
A colon cleanse or fast can also be beneficial for people with high blood pressure, and I recommend doing one anyways for the overall health benefits.
In summary, here are the most important things you (or anyone else) should do to lower blood pressure.
1. Reduce stress
2. Get sufficient amounts of sleep
3. Supplement with the above mentioned nutrients and vitamins
4. Take cayenne/wheat germ oil each and every day
5. Take Hawthorn berry syrup, tea or powder
6. Get plenty of light exercise
7. Drink plenty of steam distilled water
8. Reduce, or even better, completely eliminate salt/sodium from your diet.
9. Avoid chemicals/preservatives/artificial sweeteners/stimulants
10. Perform a colon cleanse or fast 2-3 times a year
11. Avoid muccous forming foods (animal fats, cheese, dairy etc.)
12. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
13. Get plenty of good fiber (supplement if necessary).
Out of the above mentioned remedies/techniques the 3 with the most immediate and most beneficial results will be the daily cayenne, wheat germ and hawthorn berry as well as reducing stress. Those 4 in combination are often enough to lower a person's blood pressure within acceptable limits.