Handling High Blood Pressure Positively
1 in 10 adults are afflicted by high blood pressure (also known as Hypertension) but sadly, not many realize, until a doctor tells them.
Blood pressure is normal upto 140/90 mm. If the BP is persistently above this, it increases the risk of heart diseases, kidney failures and damage to the blood vessels.
Blood pressure is kept normal primarily by the brain, autonomic nervous system, some endocrine glands, kidney, heart and the arteries. A malfunction in any of these could result in hypertension.
In many cases, the exact reason cannot be found, despite tests. Then it is dubbed as 'essential hypertension'. Sometimes even oral contraceptives which contain estrogen can push the pressure up.
How Does It Affect Us
The heart is forced to pump harder during hypertension. Hence when one needs extra oxygen, as when exercising or working, one will feel short of breath. If hypertension is not diagnosed and treated, this could lead to congestive heart failure.
High BP could also result in temporary heaviness or tightness in the chest, arms or jaw. Initially, it could happen during extreme stress, exercising or tough work, but later it could start off with little activity. When blood pressure is acutely elevated it could result in bursting of the blood vessels.
Tip: Symptoms of high BP include headaches, blurred vision, chest pains.
The brain is endangered when hypertension is prolonged and untreated. The high BP could cause hemorrhage in the brain. High BP could affect the kidney's job of filtering water from blood. Fortunately, most of these complications can be prevented by just lowering the blood pressure.
Tip: Never drop out of medication, unless advised by the doctor.
Alcohol, Salt and Overweight
More than two drinks a day could harm your pressure levels. Excess salt in food isn't good if your pressure is high. Being overweight too could complicate matters.
Smoking
Although smoking doesn't lead to high BP, temporarily it raises the pressure levels. If you're diagnosed for high BP, it's wise to cut down on cigarettes.
Cholesterol
Despite no direct influence on the pressure levels, it's been proved that high blood cholesterol increases the risk of heart diseases.
Help Yourself
Exercising strengthens the heart and lowers the heart rates when at rest. Research has proven that active people have lesser risks of coronary heart diseases.
Relaxing results in a fall in the pressure levels. Yoga, reiki, relaxation therapies, stress management programs or plain change of hectic, stressful lifestyle, could ease your pressure problems.