High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension is a problem that affects many people. There are a variety of reasons related to why somebody may have high blood pressure, but it is a serious problem that can lead to significant health issues.

Unlike some other serious diseases, this is one that can be controlled naturally by watching your diet, adding exercise to your routine, watching your weight, and adding a daily supplement.

For those unwilling to make these lifestyle changes, medications can also be taken that will address the problem. Whichever approach you decide upon, make certain that you do not ignore this problem.

Normal Blood Pressure

So, you may be wondering, what constitutes normal blood pressure. Well, although no two people are going to be the same, you should make sure that your blood pressure is 130/80 or lower.

The 130 is the systolic pressure number, which is the pressure that is in the arteries when the arteries are filled with blood as the heart beats. The 80 is the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure when the heart is resting in between each beat.

It's important that you know what to look for when it comes to elevated blood pressure. Unfortunately, unlike many other chronic diseases, there are really no universal signs that you may have high blood pressure.

Speaking from experience, I know that I experience a red face and had trouble falling asleep (my heart beat would shake my body and keep me awake until I was completely relaxed), but these were my symptoms. I know of some people that show no signs and yet still have high blood pressure.

Because there are no hard and fast symptoms to be aware of, this means that it is imperative to make sure that you check your blood pressure regularly. Make sure that it is checked when you visit your doctor and checking it at home is a great idea as well. You could also check it weekly when you shop for food (most supermarkets have blood pressure machines).

Please remember however that home tests and supermarket machines cannot replace a doctor’s diagnosis. These options are a cheap and easy way to give you a heads up that there may be a problem. If you start seeing abnormally high readings, see a doctor.

So why not pharmaceuticals?

The best way to correct any medical condition is naturally. Unfortunately, that is not always possible. In the case of high blood pressure, however, it almost always can be corrected and controlled without the help of medication.

I am always amazed at the list of side effects that are associated with pharmaceutical. You hear a commercial for a new medication and at the end they list the possible side effects. The side effects include everything from dizziness, dry mouth, vomiting, and insomnia to impotence, tiredness, and oily anal discharge. Sometimes the side effects sound worse than the disease it is preventing.

What more could motivate somebody to find a natural cure? When you add in the cost of the medication, the doctor visits, the lab work, and the dependency you develop, the choice to find a natural solution seems like a no-brainer.

There are several categories of high blood pressure medications. They are all very reliable and have been proven to be effective over time. Unfortunately, they all come with some side effects.

Diuretics:

This category includes drugs like Midama, Aldactone, and Dyrenium. Some of the possible side effects include cramps, weakness, gout, increased blood sugar, and decreased potassium in the body.

Beta Blockers:

This category includes drugs like Sectral, Tenormin, Lopressor, Corgard, and Visken. Some of the common side effects include insomnia, impotence, cold limbs (hands and feet), and tiredness.

ACE Inhibitors:

This category includes drugs like Vasotec, Zestril, and Prinivil. Some of the common side effects include skin rashes, loss of taste, and a persistent dry cough.

Calcium Blockers:

This category includes drugs like Cardizem, Cardene, Procardia, and Calan. Some of the common side effects include swollen ankles, constipation, dizziness, and headaches.

Preventing the Problem

As stated above, hypertension can be prevented and controlled naturally in many cases. This means that there are a variety of different things that you can do in order to prevent this problem. If you have high blood pressure and are a smoker, then it would be wise to quit. Smoking is linked to problems with hypertension.

Eating a healthy diet is important as well. Many people don't understand the importance of diet when it comes to blood pressure, but eating right makes a huge difference.

Exercise is great for not only preventing high blood pressure, but it can be used to bring down your blood pressure if you are already having problems with hypertension.

Keeping your weight down and limiting the amount of salt that you eat are two other things that you can easily do for prevention of hypertension as well.

These are just a few easy and natural things you can do to prevent this complication or to even help to treat the problem if you already have it.

Return from High Blood Pressure Page to Home Page