Dealing with High Blood Pressure

Article by Primrose Stuart

Over the years there has been a significant spike in the rate of people suffering from High Blood Pressure. This is a cause for concern as it is evident that there is an increase in causal triggers from the food we eat, working and living conditions amongst other things.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high blood pressure is a serious medical condition that can increase the risk of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. It is a major cause of premature death worldwide, with upwards of 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women in the world suffers from high blood pressure.

What is high Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure reading is considered normal when it is 120/80mmHg. When it increases above 140/90mmHg then it becomes high blood pressure and treatment is required. A huge tell tell sign that you are developing a high blood pressure is when your reading is between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg. If this happens you need to adjust your lifestyle and contact a medical practitioner.

What are the main symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

It is advisable to regularly measure your blood pressure to avoid serious problems and lead a healthy lifestyle. Just like the old saying goes ” Prevention is better than cure”. It should be your priority to ensure you consistently maintain a normal blood pressure or slightly lower, keeping in mind blood pressure that is too low is equally as bad as high blood pressure. Make reference to our previous article on low blood pressure for more insight.

High blood Pressure symptoms include;

1. Mild symptoms

Morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision changes.

2. Serious symptoms

Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pains and muscle tremors.

If High blood pressure is left untreated it causes serious persistent chest pains, heart attacks, heart failure, and an irregular heartbeat and premature deaths. Adults with high blood pressure who are diabetic are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

All of the above horrible experiences can further be prevented by taking a positive proactive approach. To start with we have to identify the key causes of High Blood Pressure.

1. Enemy number one STRESS

Stress causes your heart to beat faster and narrows your blood vessels.

A wise man once said if you can do something about a problem why worry, fix it.

If you cannot do anything about a problem why stress about it. Look for alternative solutions. If you can’t then remember stress can potentially give you a heart attack and if you are lucky to be alive then you will have more on your plate to deal with.

Your wellness and life is priority number ONE.

Major Stress Sources: Money, Work, conflict in relationships, expectations, ingratitude, impatience, social injustice & change.

2. Smoking

The nicotine in cigarettes or tobacco products narrows your blood vessels and make your heart beat faster. This should be expected if you are intentionally ‘smoking’ your lungs.

With all the global awareness campaigns on what smoking does to your health its baffling that there may be an adult out there who doesn’t know that smoking does more damage than good to health.

3. Overweight

Blood pressure rises as body weight increases both in adults and children. By maintaining a healthy body weight you decrease the risk of developing a high blood pressure.

4. Salt

Salt is notorious for significantly increasing blood pressure. It is good for people with very low blood pressure as it increases it at a faster rate.

5. Alcoholism

According to studies there is a close link between high blood pressure and alcohol consumption. Chronic alcohol consumption can have damaging effects on higher blood pressure, the liver and lead to heart related problems.

6. Genetics

According to health practitioners, there is a familiar link between developing high blood pressure if your ancestors suffered from it.

7. Pregnancy

High blood pressure in pregnant women is a common problem which ends when the baby is born.

In other cases, it could also be a sign of a more serious problem called pre-eclampsia.

Home remedies for High blood pressure

Drink warm water with lemon every morning.

Drink water with parsley.

Drink beetroot juice from time to time.

Cut back on Alcohol and caffeine.

Eat dark chocolate.

Lose weight.

 Increase garlic intake.

Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Walk and exercise regularly.

Learn to manage stress.

Reduce sugar intake.

Take time to meditate and breath.

Eat probiotic fermented milk.

PS Health

Research Studies

1. The Johns Hopkins study found a positive relationship between increase in body mass and high blood pressure.
2. Evidence suggests that roughly 30% of the US adult population sleeps less than 7 hours per night, and those who do show 20-52% increased risk to develop cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension. 
3. A 2013 meta-analysis examined the effect of probiotic fermented milk on blood pressure. In all, they took data from 14 studies, which included 702 participants. They researchers concluded that probiotic fermented milk has blood pressure lowering properties.
4. Further clinical studies – https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/5-blood-pressure-studies-every-pharmacist-should-know.

Monitor your blood pressure regularly while maintaining a healthy lifestyle to avoid serious health problems. Keep in mind that as people grow older their blood pressure is bound to increase. Increase plant based diets, stay hydrated and always seek for more knowledge on how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Remember, what may work for one person may not for the next. Find what works for you.

References

1. Roderick Ramon Chen Camano- Uncontrolled Hypertension and Associated Factors in Hypertensive Patients at the Primary Healthcare Center – Thesis
2. https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure-(hypertension).
3. World Health Organization
4. Harvard Medical Publications
5. Mayo Clinic Publications