Early Warning Signs Your Blood Pressure Is Dangerously High (1 In 5 Don’t Know They Have It!)

 

High blood pressure is a disease where the blood flows through the blood vessels as well as arteries at a pressure higher than the normal. 

The treatment includes the use of dangerous beta-blockers, ACE inhibitor drugs, and diuretics, as well as salt restriction from the diet. These things do not get to the root of the issue. Most of the people do not display any signs or symptoms even when the blood pressure is at dangerously high level.

Systolic is the blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood, while diastolic pressure is the one when the heart is at rest between beats. The ranges include:

• Normal: less than 120/80;
• Prehypertension: 120-139/8—89;
• Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159/90-99;
• Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above/100 and above.

Headaches, chest pain, nosebleeds, vision changes, confusion, and ear noise or buzzing are some warning signs of high blood pressure.

People have to keep their high blood pressure under control as at the age of 50 the total life expectancy is 5 years longer for people who have normal blood pressure than those with hypertension.

 

Complications of high blood pressure

It is considered to be the main cause for more than 360,000 American deaths, equaling 1,000 deaths a day. High blood pressure can increase the risks of dangerous conditions like:

• Eye issues – high blood pressure causes thickened, narrowed, and torn blood vessels in the eyes;
• Memory problems – it affects the ability to think, remember, and learn;
• Chronic heart failure – seven out of 10 people with chronic heart failure have high blood pressure;
• First stroke – 8 of 10 people have their first stroke due to high blood pressure;
• Metabolic syndrome – it is a combination of these health problems like high triglyceride levels, abdominal obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, or low HDL;
• Aneyrism – it is formed because of high blood pressure as it causes the blood vessels to weaken and bludge.

 

Low blood pressure vs. high blood pressure

There are some warnings for high blood pressure:

• Irregular heartbeat;
• Ear noise or buzzing;
• Nosebleed;
• Chest pain;
• Vision changes;
• Confusion
• Headaches;
• 
  

Nearly 1 in 3 adults in America have prehypertension and that is when the blood pressure is higher than the normal, but not yet in the high blood pressure range. There are about 70 million Americans who are affected with this health issue and only half of them have their conditions under control.

While low blood pressure is manifested through:

• Blurred vision;
• Lack of concentration;
• Depression;
• Nausea;
• Fainting;
• Fatigue;
• Cold, clammy, pale skin;
• Dizziness or lightheadedness;
• Dehydration and unusual thirst.

The plague build up in the blood vessels, the blood flow to the heart muscle and brain drops with age, and when the pressure drops suddenly, the brain is deprived of the adequate blood supply causing dizziness and lightheadedness. There are 10-20% of people above the age of 65 who have postural hypotension. It is a sudden drop of blood pressure which appears when people suddenly rise from a sitting position to standing. Hypotension is a type of blood pressure when somebody stands for a longer period of time. When there are no symptoms, chronic low blood pressure is not serious. This condition can appear among people with heart issue, severe infection (septic shock), prolonged bed rest, decreased blood volume, pregnancy, anemia, naturally mediated hypotension, endocrine issues, allergic reactions, and certain medications like diuretics, beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, drugs for Parkinson’s disease, erectile dysfunction drugs especially in combination with nitroglycerin, narcotics, and alcohol.

 

Foods to avoid which make high blood pressure symptoms wore

• Trans fats and omega-6 fats – the can be found in packaged foods and conventional meats;
• Caffeine – reduce its intake if you have high blood pressure as it will increase it more;
• Alcohol – it narrows arteries and increases blood pressure;
• High sodium foods – avoid all canned and high sodium processed foods;
• Sugar – if consumed in high doses it can contribute to high blood pressure.

 

Foods to eat which help heal high blood pressure symptoms

• Omega-3 rich foods – it can be found in wild-caught salmon, flaxseed, grass-fed beef, and chia seeds;
• Tea – white tea is good for consumption couple of times per day as it thins the blood and improves artery;
• High-fiber foods – consume seeds, beans, vegetables, and fruits if you want to lower the pressure;
• Apple cedar vinegar – it is high in potassium and will help you keep the body alkaline which lowers the blood pressure in a natural way;
• Mediterranean diet – it is a diet rich in seafood, vegetables, fruits, and healthy omega-3 fat oils;
• Dark chocolate – those that contain at least 200 mg of cocoa phenols can reduce blood pressure;
• High-potassium foods – such foods lessen negative effects of sodium in the body and lowering blood pressure. Consume bananas, avocados, coconut butter, and melons.

 

Supplements for the symptoms of high blood pressure

• Fish oil – it is high in EPA and DHA forms of omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation in the body. One of the main causes of high blood pressure is inflammation in the arteries. Take 1,000 mg of fish oil dose each day with your meals.
• Cocoa – the intake of flavonoids will be increased if cocoa is consumed as it helps in lowering the blood pressure and improving the blood flow to the heart and brain. It is a natural vasodilator, thus it increases the nitric oxide in the blood and widen the blood vessels.
• Coenzyme Q10 – this is an antioxidant which is critical for the support of heart health. Take 200-300 mg of it daily.
• Magnesium – it relaxes the blood vessels, thus before you go to bed consume 500 mg of it.
• Garlic – it is also available in pills or as a supplement liquid. Those who have uncontrolled hypertension have to use aged garlic because it has reduced peripheral and central blood pressure. Garlic has the power to improve inflammation, arterial stiffness, and other cardiovascular markers in those with elevated levels.

 

Natural remedies for high blood pressure symptoms

• Essential oils – they decrease emotional stress, dilating arteries and acting like antioxidants which reduce oxidative stress. Use oils like sweet marjoram, frankincense, neroli ylan ylang, and lavender. Include couple of drops of any of them and massage it with a lotion into your body.
• Reduce stress – once it is done, the high blood pressure will drop. Avoid using tobacco, alcohol, or excessive eating. Practice deep breathing, meditation, and healing prayer.
• Increase physical activity and exercise – engage in some form of physical activity or exercise at least 20 minutes per day.

 

Risk factors and root causes of high blood pressure

• Not being physically active – your heart has to work harder with each contraction.
• Pregnancy – it contributes to high blood pressure.
• Too much sodium in your diet – the blood pressure is increased as sodium causes your body retain fluids. Children are also at risk due to poor style living.
• Certain chronic conditions – sleep apnea, diabetes, and kidney disease increase the risk of high blood pressure.
• Too little potassium in your diet – it helps in the balance of the sodium content of the body’s cell, thus if you don’t consume it enough you can accumulate too much sodium in your blood stream.
• Being overweight – when your body weight increases it needs more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, with that the pressure on the artery walls and blood pressure increase.
• Age – with age the high blood pressure increases and is more common among men at the age of 45 and women at the age of 65.
• Tobacco use – it raises blood pressure as the chemicals damage the lining of the artery walls, causing your arteries to narrow.
• Too much alcohol – it damages your heart and affects blood pressure negatively.
• Stress – it leads to temporary increase of blood pressure.
• Race – African-Americans develop high blood pressure earlier than Caucasians. Kidney failure, stroke, and heart attacks are also more common among them.

Early Warning Signs Your Blood Pressure is Dangerously High (1 in 5 don’t know they have it!)

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects around 70 million adults only in the United States, that is, every 1 of every three Americans. Even quite common, this condition can be controlled, but you need to know its warning signs and treat it adequately, on time.

Hypertension may also lead to numerous other serious health conditions, such as heart attacks, stroke, kidney diseases and chronic heart failure.

In most cases, people with high blood pressure experience no symptoms, even when their blood pressure readings reach excessively high levels. The terrifying reality is that one of five adults in the United States with hypertension is not aware of it.

However, fortunately, numerous experts claim that a healthy diet and regular exercise you can effectively prevent and treat high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is, in fact, a common disease in which the blood flows through arteries and blood vessels at a higher pressure than normally.

The costs of hypertension in the U.S. are $46 billion annually, which include medications, health care services, and missed days of work. The standard medical treatment for this disease includes recommendations for a reduced amount of salt in food, diuretics, the harmful beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitor drugs.

These provide some relief, but they do not treat the cause of the problem, and may even cause other health issues. For instance, the advised extreme salt reduction in order to treat the symptoms of hypertension remains questionable, controversial, and even destructive.

Namely, blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries when the heart blood, and when it is too high, it leads to hypertension. However, most of the patients who suffer from hypertension experience do signs or symptoms, even when their blood pressure readings are at extremely elevated levels.

The measurement of blood pressure shows two numbers, showing two distinct pressures. The first number shows the systolic pressure, or the blood pressure during the heart beating while pumping blood. The second number shows the diastolic pressure, which is the blood pressure between heartbeats, when the heart is resting.

Below are the ranges of blood pressure:

• Normal: Lower than 120/80
• Prehypertension: 120–139/80–89
• Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140–159/90–99
• Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above/100 and above

In most cases, the patient experiences no symptoms when the blood pressure raises. Yet, some common warning signs are confusion, chest pains, headaches, irregular heartbeat, vision issues, ear noise or buzzing, fatigue or nosebleeds.

 

It is of high importance to control blood pressure levels and react on time as soon as you experience some of the symptoms of hypertension. One reason for this is the following: at the age of 50, total life expectancy is 5 years longer for people with normal blood pressure than for those with high blood pressure.

 

Furthermore, over 360,000 of people in America died in 2013 due to hypertension as a major or contributing cause. This is approximately 1,000 deaths on a daily basis, which makes hypertension an alarming and severe health issue that requires a serious treatment and prevention.

 

Also, it may raise the risk of numerous other health conditions, like:

• Chronic heart failure: Studies indicate that 7 of every 10 people with chronic heart failure have elevated blood pressure levels.
• Metabolic syndrome: The hypertension symptoms elevate the risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of three or more of these health conditions: high blood sugar, abdominal obesity, high triglyceride levels, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
• Eye problems: Vision loss can be caused by narrowed, thickened, or torn blood vessels in the eyes, due to high blood pressure.
• Aneurysm: High blood pressure can lead to bulged or weakened blood vessels, leading to an aneurysm, which in case it ruptures, can cause death.
• First heart attack: Approximately 1 of every 10 people who experience their first heart attack have increased blood pressure.
• First stroke: About 8 of every 10 people experiencing their first stroke have hypertension.
• Memory issues: High blood pressure may impede the ability to learn, think, and remember, memorize and understand concepts.

 

 High Blood Pressure vs. Low Blood Pressure

Aging, along with its other normal changes it causes, leads to an increased risk of both, low and high blood pressure.

As we mentioned earlier, these are the values that determine the boundaries low blood pressure, high blood pressure and normal blood pressure:

• Low blood pressure or hypotension: Lower than 90/60
• Normal: Lower than 120/80
• Prehypertension: 120–139/80–89
• Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140–159/90–99
• Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above/100 and above

 

High Blood Pressure

Here are some of the most important facts concerning hypertension and its symptoms:

• About 70 million American adults (29 percent), or 1of every 3, suffer from hypertension.
• Only about half (52 percent) of people with this disease maintain it under control.
• Around 1 of 3 adults in the U.S. has prehypertension, or blood pressure levels which are higher than normal, but yet not in the range of hypertension.
• The cost of this disease on an annual basis is $46 billion in America, which involves the medications for the treatment, health care services, and missed days of work.

In most cases, as the blood pressure levels are elevated, the person does not experience any specific warning signs. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

• Confusion
• irregular heartbeat
• Headaches
• tiredness
• ear noise or buzzing
• vision changes
• nosebleed
• chest pains

 

Low Blood Pressure

Here are some of the most prominent facts related to low blood pressure:

• Chronic low blood pressure which causes no symptoms is not serious in most cases.
• In most cases, the person experiences a sudden drop in the blood pressure as soon the person stands up from a lying position or vice versa. Moreover, another low blood pressure type occurs in the case a person stands for a long time, and it is known as mediated hypotension.
• Around 10-20% of people over age 65 suffer from postural hypotension.
• The issue should concern you if the blood pressure drops suddenly, as then the brain is deprived of a proper supply of blood, and may cause lightheadedness and dizziness.
• Aging prevents the proper blood flow to the heart muscle and the brain, which leads to an accumulation of plaque in the blood vessels.

The situation is far from serious if you do not experience symptoms of low blood pressure. According to numerous doctors, it would be dangerous only when the chronically low blood pressure levels cause noticeable symptoms, like:

• lack of concentration
• rapid, shallow breathing
• blurred vision
• dehydration and unusual thirst
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• cold, clammy, pale skin
• fatigue
• depression
• nausea
• fainting (called syncope)

Moreover, this health condition can occur with:

• Endocrine problems
• Neurally mediated hypotension
• Severe infection (septic shock)
• Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — The symptoms include hives, breathing problems, itching, a sudden, dramatic fall in blood pressure and a swollen throat. It is an occasionally fatal allergic reaction that happens in people who are highly sensitive to wasp or bee stings, foods like peanuts, or drugs such as penicillin.
• Pregnancy
• Certain medications, like diuretics and other drugs prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure; drugs for Parkinson’s disease; tricyclic antidepressants; heart medications like beta blockers; drugs for erectile dysfunction, especially in combination with nitroglycerin; alcohol and narcotics. Moreover, it may also be caused by other prescription and over-the-counter drugs if combined with HBP medications.
• Prolonged bed rest
• Decreases in blood volume
• Nutritional deficiencies — A deficiency in folic acid and the essential vitamins B12 may lead to anemia and anemia symptoms, which in turn cause low blood pressure.
• Heart problems

 

Diet in case of High Blood Pressure Symptoms

Regarding the fact that 2/3 of the population suffers from hypertension or prehypertension, we must agree that it is a serious and common health condition that needs full attention immediately. One of the most effective natural remedies for high blood pressure is undoubtedly a healthy diet.

 

These are the foods that aggravate the symptoms of high blood pressure and should be avoided:

• Sugar — The increased amounts of sugar worse the condition in case of high blood pressure. According to numerous studies, sugar intake may be even more threatening than salt in case of hypertension.
• Trans fats and omega-6 fats — They can be found in conventional meats and packaged foods, and trigger inflammation and increase blood pressure.
• Alcohol — It increases the blood pressure and narrows arteries, so it should be consumed moderately. This means a drink on a daily basis for healthy women and men older than 65, and up to 2drinks for men younger than 65.
• High-sodium foods — You can freely use high-quality salts, but avoid canned and high-sodium processed foods.
• Caffeine — Excessive amounts of caffeine may increase blood pressure, so in the case of hypertension, you should reduce the daily consumption of coffee and drinks that are rich in caffeine, in order to prevent caffeine overdose and increasing of blood pressure.

Foods that treat the symptoms of high blood pressure:

• Omega-3 rich foods – You should eat omega-3 foods like wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef, chia seeds and flaxseeds in order to reduce inflammation.
• High-fiber foods — Your diet should be based on unprocessed foods rich in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, seeds and beans.
• Mediterranean diet —It is beneficial in the case of high blood pressure, as it is rich in seafood, fruits, vegetables, and healthy omega-3 fat oils. It includes lots of fruits and vegetables, olive oil, and wild-caught fish (especially salmon), which naturally reduce the high blood pressure.
• Tea — Especially white tea, as it significantly improves the function of the arteries and thins the blood. Its regular consumption several times during the day will lower the blood pressure and prevent other serious health issues, like stroke.
• Dark chocolate — Try to find a dark chocolate that includes at least 200 milligrams of cocoa phenols, which lower blood pressure.
• High-potassium foods — The American Heart Association, suggested a diet high in potassium to be a crucial part of controlling blood pressure as it alleviates the negative effects of sodium on the body. Such foods are melons, bananas, coconut water, and avocados.
• Apple cider vinegar — It is abundant in potassium, it naturally reduces blood pressure and alkalizes the body.

Moreover, supplementation can be extremely beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure. These are the most important supplements:

1. Magnesium

Magnesium naturally reduces blood pressure and relaxes the blood vessels. You should take 500 milligrams before bed on a daily basis in the beginning.

2. Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 is an essential antioxidant which promotes heart health and is crucial in case you take or have taken, cholesterol or blood pressure -lowering drugs. In order to naturally reduce blood pressure, you should take 200 to 300 milligrams a day.

3. Fish Oil

Inflammation in the arteries can be one of the major causes of high blood pressure. Numerous studies have shown that the consumption of fish oil, which is rich in EPA and DHA forms of omega-3 fatty acids, alleviates inflammation of the body, and thus promotes heart health. In order to naturally lower blood pressure, you should take 1,000-milligram fish oil dose on a daily basis.

4. Garlic

It is a natural vasodilator, meaning that it raises the amounts of nitric oxide in the blood and widen blood vessels. You can also take it in the form of supplements, in a pill or liquid form.

According to a study conducted in 2016, aged garlic lowers peripheral and central blood pressure in people with uncontrolled high blood pressure. Moreover, it also helps in the case of inflammation, arterial stiffness, and other cardiovascular markers in people with high levels.

5. Cocoa

It can be taken as a powder, and thus raises the amounts of flavonols, which reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain and heart. Cocoa also acts as a vasodilator.

 

Here are the most effective natural ways to treat hypertension:

1. Essential Oils

Essential oils reduce emotional stress, have strong antioxidant properties and thus reduce oxidative stress and dilate arteries, so they effectively lower blood pressure. The best essential oils for this cause include lavender, neroli, ylang, clary sage, frankincense and sweet marjoram. You can add a few drops of the essential oil to your lotion of carrier oil and massage your body, or use them in a diffuser.

2. Reduce Stress

Stress raises blood pressure, so you should practice regular relaxation methods like meditation, deep breathing, walks in nature, healing prayer and the like, which will help you relax, calm and reduce blood pressure.

3. Physical Activity and Exercise

Exercise and regular physical activity can help you lose excess weight and reduce blood pressure. For best results, engage in some physical activity and/or exercise for at least 20 minutes every day, while adolescents and children should regularly get an hour of physical activity.

 

Risk Factors and main causes of hypertension 

Hypertension is most prevalent in adults, but this does not mean that children are not at risk. They may suffer from hypertension symptoms caused by kidney or heart issues.  However, nowadays, children who struggle with high blood pressure are dealing with it too young, due to poor lifestyle routines, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, which lead to children hypertension and obesity.

 

High blood pressure can be a result of numerous risk factors, but fortunately, most of them can be controlled. These include:

• Family history — It may often be an issue which runs in families.
• Age — Hypertension increases with age, and it is most common in men through the age of 45. Women most often develop it after the age of 65.
• Excess body weight — The higher the body weight, the more blood is required in order to provide nutrients and oxygen to the tissues. The pressure on the artery walls and the blood pressure increase with the volume of blood circulated through the blood vessels.
• Race — It is particularly common among African-Americans and is earlier developed than in Caucasians. African-Americans who suffer from hypertension more commonly experience serious complications, like kidney failure, stroke, and heart attacks.
• Tobacco use — Smoking or chewing tobacco immediately increase blood pressure temporarily. The chemicals included in tobacco cause damage to the lining of your artery walls, which leads to narrowing of the arteries and thus to hypertension, Also, hypertension can also be caused by secondhand smoke.
• Physically inactivity — Individuals who are physically inactive are more prone to high heart rates. The higher the heart rate, the stronger the force on arteries and the harder the heart needs to work with every contraction. Moreover, the risk of obesity is increased with the lack of exercise and physical activity, which cause sedentary lifestyle which can be especially harmful.
• Excessive use of alcohol — Excessive alcohol use damages the heart health over time. The blood pressure is negatively influenced by more than 2 drinks daily for men and more than 1 drink in case of women.
• Potassium deficiency — This important mineral balances the amount of sodium of the cells in the body, which means that its deficiency leads to sodium buildup in the blood stream.
• Stress — High levels of stress can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure.
• Pregnancy — It may contribute to hypertension at times.
• Certain chronic conditions — Some chronic conditions like sleep apnea, diabetes and kidney disease may raise the risk of hypertension.
• Sodium-rich diet — Excessive amounts of sodium or salt in the diet leads to fluid retention which raises blood pressure.

Important facts about High Blood Pressure

• Hypertension raises the risk for other serious health issues, like stroke, heart attack, chronic heart failure, metabolic syndrome, memory issues and aneurysm, and eye problems.
• One of 5 adults in America who suffers from hypertension is not aware of it, as it can show no symptoms, even when it has reached seriously high levels.
• It affects about 70 million adults in the United States, or one of every three American adults. Moreover, 1 out of 3 adults who do not have it is on the edge of developing it.
• Diastolic blood pressure is when the heart is resting between beats while systolic blood pressure is when the heart beats while pumping blood.
• Foods that need to be avoided in the case of high blood pressure include sugar, caffeine, alcohol, trans fats and omega-6 fats, high-sodium foods. On the other hand, foods that help in this case include high-potassium foods, Mediterranean diet foods, omega-3 foods, high-fiber foods, dark chocolate, tea, and apple cider vinegar. Also, the use of supplements and the necessary lifestyle changes can help a lot in the treatment of hypertension.
• As the blood pressure rises, it may often not cause any high blood pressure symptoms, but some frequent warning signs are vision changes, nosebleeds, chest pains, headaches, confusion, ear noise or buzzing, tiredness, or irregular heartbeat.

Source/Reference: familylifegoals.com
Other included sources linked in Family Life Goal’s article: draxe.com — Original Article Source

Causes of High Blood Pressure

What causes high blood pressure? Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which carry the blood throughout the body. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood out to the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, to stroke, kidney disease, and to the development of heart failure.

What Is "Normal" Blood Pressure?

A blood pressure reading has a top number (systolic) and bottom number (diastolic). The ranges are:

• Normal: Less than 120 over 80 (120/80)
• Elevated: 120-129 less than 80
• Stage 1 high blood pressure: 130-139 over 80-89
• Stage 2 high blood pressure: 140 and above over 90 and above
• Hypertension crisis: higher than 180 and/or higer than 120 - Seel medical attention immediately

People whose blood pressure is above the normal range should consult their doctor about steps to take to lower it.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known, but several factors and conditions may play a role in its development, including:

•     Smoking
•     Being overweight or obese
•     Lack of physical activity
•     Too much salt in the diet
•     Too much alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)
•     Stress
•     Older age
•     Genetics
•     Family history of high blood pressure
•     Chronic kidney disease
•     Adrenal and thyroid disorders
•     Sleep apnea

Essential Hypertension

In as many as 95% of reported high blood pressure cases in the U.S., the underlying cause cannot be determined. This type of high blood pressure is called "essential hypertension."

Though essential hypertension remains somewhat mysterious, it has been linked to certain risk factors. High blood pressure tends to run in families and is more likely to affect men than women. Age and race also play a role. In the United States, blacks are twice as likely as whites to have high blood pressure, although the gap begins to narrow around age 44. After age 65, black women have the highest incidence of high blood pressure.

Essential hypertension is also greatly influenced by diet and lifestyle. The link between salt and high blood pressure is especially compelling. People living on the northern islands of Japan eat more salt per capita than anyone else in the world and have the highest incidence of essential hypertension. By contrast, people who add no salt to their food show virtually no traces of essential hypertension.

The majority of all people with high blood pressure are "salt sensitive," meaning that anything more than the minimal bodily need for salt is too much for them and increases their blood pressure. Other factors that can raise the risk of having essential hypertension include obesity; diabetes; stress; insufficient intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium; lack of physical activity; and chronic alcohol consumption.

Secondary Hypertension

When a direct cause for high blood pressure can be identified, the condition is described as secondary hypertension. Among the known causes of secondary hypertension, kidney disease ranks highest. Hypertension can also be triggered by tumors or other abnormalities that cause the adrenal glands (small glands that sit atop the kidneys) to secrete excess amounts of the hormones that elevate blood pressure. Birth control pills -- specifically those containing estrogen -- and pregnancy can boost blood pressure, as can medications that constrict blood vessels.
Who Is More Likely to Develop High Blood Pressure?

•     People with family members who have high blood pressure
•     Smokers
•     African-Americans
•     Pregnant women
•     Women who take birth control pills
•     People over the age of 35
•     People who are overweight or obese
•     People who are not active
•     People who drink alcohol excessively
•     People who eat too many fatty foods or foods with too much salt
•     People who have sleep apnea

Sources: American Heart Association. American Medical Association. via: webmd

9 Dangerous Signs And Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure That You Should Not Ignore

Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the common ailments. People who have a history of hypertension should undergo regular checkups to control BP. The high blood pressure causes the blood to flow turbulently through the blood vessels.

 

The body customizes itself to control the usual pressure in the body. The healthy arteries dilate to allow more flow of blood. The heart may beat more than usual to allow the efficient flow of blood.

A steep high in BP can have detrimental effects on the body. High blood pressure is associated with various heart problems such as hardening of the arteries, enlarged heart, kidney damage, and eye damage.

It also affects various organs due to damage to the tiny capillaries, blood clots, narrowing of blood vessels, etc. Here is the list of 9 dangerous signs and symptoms of high blood pressure that you should not ignore

1. Severe Headache:
Headaches are quite common in few people that can be due to sinus, migraine or other histories that go away with pain medications. But headaches due to high blood pressure will not go away with the use of over the counter painkillers.

A raised blood pressure may indicate a hypertensive crisis. It is a medical emergency when the blood pressure shoots to 180/110 mm Hg or higher.

2. Fatigue and Confusion:
People suffering from heart disease will face extreme exhaustion. Even performing day-to-day activities will become a task. People will feel aches and pains while doing even small household chores.

The continuously raised blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, producing dizziness and confusion. It should be dealt with promptly as increases the risks of falls and accidents.

3. Vision Problems:
People with high blood pressure develop blood spots in the eye tissue. There will be a blockage of clear vision due to dark sports. High blood pressure causes dizziness and vision irregularities.

It can also damage the optic nerves and can cause permanent loss of eyesight.

4. Chest Pain:
People often mislead chest pain to acidity and indigestion. This chest pain may subside, but the other concerns of chest pain should not be ignored such as high blood pressure and heart attack.

The pain and pressure in the heart radiate towards upper arms and extends till the jaw. People might complain of jaw pain, but in reality, it will be pressure from the heart due to hypertension or heart attack.

5. Difficulty Breathing:
Heart and lungs work in coordination with each other to supply oxygen to the body. Any impairment in functioning can cause difficulty in breathing. The lungs may get filled with water making it difficult to pump the oxygen as required.

The heart works harder to pump blood to the lungs and it can even result in damage to small blood vessels. Damage to blood vessels means there will not be any supply of oxygen which can further worsen the situation. There will be a reduced flow of blood. Breathing difficulties should be addressed as soon as possible.

6. Irregular Heartbeat:
The heart usually pumps more than normal when you exercise. The temporary mechanical load does not have a long-lasting effect. But when people are often experiencing high blood pressure then the heart will not be able to handle this mechanical overload.

The contraction and relaxation of the heart muscles are controlled by calcium ions, but in conditions of stress, the calcium control system is unbalanced resulting in arrhythmia. Irregular heartbeats should be taken seriously to avoid any potential damage to the heart.

7. Hematuria or Blood in the Urine:
It is common in people who have high blood pressure. The urine can turn brownish-red, pink, red, or tea-colored. One might not see the red blood cells directly in the blood as it requires laboratory examination to confirm the presence of RBC.

Such patients should avoid taking anti-inflammatory medicines as it increases the risk of bleeding for a long duration. Hematuria can also be due to kidney infection, kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, enlarged prostate, kidney disease, etc.

8. Pounding in your Chest, Neck, or Ears:
Pulsing in ears or rushing of blood in the neck can happen even when you are at rest; this might be an indication of increased blood pressure. The carotid arteries present in the head and neck produce these strange feeling when the blood flow is not normal.

The pounding can also be due to increased intake of caffeine, maybe in the form of coffee or soda. Caffeine is known to induce anxiety and can cause a pounding sensation.

9. Nose Bleeds:
The raised blood pressure hemorrhage and anxiety lead to nose bleed in hypertensive patients. People suffering from Epistaxis (nose bleeds) mostly have high blood pressure.

If there is a frequent recurrence of nosebleeds, then the chances of high blood pressure cannot be ruled out. The occurrence of nose bleeds need not be necessarily due to blood pressure it can also be due to seasonal allergies, irritation of nasal mucosa, or dryness of nasal mucosa.

Blood thinners can worsen the situation with excessive bleeding. It is important to consult the doctor as soon as possible.

Conclusion:
Headaches, nosebleeds, decreased vision, dizziness, and confusion should be considered as an indication of high blood pressure in people with a history of hypertension. Palpitations and breathing difficulties are an indication of anxiety that can lead to high blood pressure.

In hypertension, your heartbeats increase more than normal that can be felt in the ears and neck. One should take care of these alarming symbols of high blood pressure and make a note that these symptoms can indicate another underlying disease.

Adequate measures should be taken to control high blood pressure as it increases the risk of heart diseases such as heart attacks, heart failure, and kidney disease.

Lifestyle changes can be very helpful in controlling blood pressure and also the prevention of heart diseases. Moderate exercise, reduce intake of salt and alcohol, weight loss can help you to control blood pressure.

Source: righthomeremedies.com

How To Lower Blood Pressure Fast Without Medications And Avoid Their Side Effects

High blood pressure: what is it?

According to new recommendations from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology, nearly half of Americans have high blood pressure. The guidelines, which were released in the journal Hypertension, lower the cutoff point for high blood pressure from 140/80 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg. Blood pressure under 120/80 mmHg is regarded as normal. This alteration indicates that 14% more American adults than previously estimated have high blood pressure, and they are likely now considering ways to lower their blood pressure.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can be caused by lifestyle factors or by genetics—or, usually, a combination of both. It can be dangerous if left untreated, raising your risk for heart attack and stroke.

 

For people who aren’t able to bring their levels down naturally, blood pressure medication may be necessary. Of the 14% of Americans now considered to have high blood pressure, around one in five will need to be treated with meds, according to the AHA. But if your high blood pressure is a result of unhealthy habits, making some simple changes may help reduce—or even eliminate—your need for prescription drugs. With your doctor’s okay, give these home remedies for high blood pressure a try and see if they work for you.

 

Maintain a healthy weight

“Weight is one of the most important determiners of blood pressure,” says John Bisognano, MD, director of the Hypertension Clinic at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. “Once someone’s BMI is over 25 to 28, taking off a few pounds will make a big difference in treating high blood pressure.” (A body mass index of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, while 30 and higher is obese.)

The correlation works both ways, too: A small 2014 study found that people who gained even just 5% of their body weight saw slight boosts in their blood pressure. People who packed on extra fat around their bellies saw the greatest increases.

 

Break a sweat

Most healthy people should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. If you need to lower your blood pressure, though, the American Heart Association has some additional advice: Within that 150 minutes, aim to get 40 minutes of higher-intensity (moderate to vigorous) activity three or four times a week. “It really can be anything that makes you break a sweat, but the important thing is that it’s something you can do most days, without fail,” says, Dr. Bisognano, who is also the president elect of the American Society for Hypertension. “If you want to go to the gym for an hour a day and run or take classes, fantastic. But if a brisk walk around the neighborhood fits your lifestyle better, than that’s great too.”

If you’re starting from scratch and even this level of fitness seems intimidating, take heart. Even just a few minutes a day of easy exercise helped to lower blood pressure in a 2015 study of overweight adults with diabetes.

 

Cut back on salt

Most Americans—including 86% of those with high blood pressure—eat more salt than is advised by the government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. If you’re one of them, reducing your intake to less than the recommended limit of 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon) a day may make a big difference in your blood pressure (and even better if you can stay below the American Heart Association’s 1,500-mg daily limit). Even just reducing your sodium intake by 10 or 20% can help, says Dr. Bisognano. “We ask people to decrease their consumption from sky-high to reasonable levels,” he adds. “Learn not to salt your eggs; finish your lunch without a pickle—you want to make little changes you can tolerate for the long term.”

 

Follow the DASH Diet

For an even bigger impact on blood pressure levels, try the DASH Diet, also known as Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension. You’ll lower your salt intake on this plan, but you’ll also eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat diary products. “The DASH Diet can lower the top number—systolic pressure—anywhere from 8 to 14 points,” says cardiologist Nieca Goldberg, MD, medical director of the Women’s Heart Program at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. “The diet is high in foods that have calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to lowering blood pressure.” It’s also rich in potassium, which can help blunt the impact of any sodium you consume.

 

Power up your probiotics

In a 2014 review of previous studies, people who consumed probiotics—healthy bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented foods—saw their systolic blood pressure reduced an average of 3.6 points, and their diastolic reduced 2.4 points, compared to those who didn’t. Those with blood pressure higher than 130/85 experienced the greatest reductions, along with those who took probiotic supplements or ate probiotic foods for longer than two months. (Any blood pressure over 120/80 mm Hg is considered elevated.) Experts say any effect probiotics have on blood pressure is likely modest, but that they may play a role in an overall heart-healthy lifestyle.

 

Eat out less often

Americans eat too much salt in large part because restaurants add so much of it to their cooking, according to a 2016 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This can be confusing even to customers who try to make smart choices, since high-sodium foods don’t always taste salty. In order to see a big impact on American salt consumption, restaurants will have to commit to using less, the CDC’s report stated. Until then, says Dr. Goldberg, try to cook more of your own food so you’re aware of how much salt goes into it. When you do eat out, she suggests, skip salty toppings like cheese, and order dressings and sauces on the side.

 

Monitor your numbers at home

The act of taking your own blood pressure won’t lower it, but getting to know your numbers can help you better understand what’s healthy and what’s not for you. “The first time patients have a high blood pressure reading in the doctor’s office, we don’t usually start treating right way,” says Dr. Goldberg. That’s because individual readings can vary, especially in potentially high-stress situations like a doctor’s visit.

Dr. Goldberg teaches these patients to monitor their blood pressure at home in the mornings and evenings. This gives her a more complete picture before prescribing any medications. But there’s a hidden benefit, as well: Research suggests that keeping track of their own blood pressure may be incentive for patients to make healthy choices like losing weight and eating healthier.

 

Stop smoking

After a cigarette break, blood pressure rises for a short time. Interestingly—and even though it’s bad for your heart in other ways—it doesn’t seem to raise levels very much in the long-term. But besides those temporary spikes, there’s another reason to kick the habit: Smoking dulls taste buds, says Dr. Bisognano, so smokers tend to salt their food more and have a harder time decreasing sodium intake.

Cut your calorie intake

One simple way to reduce your salt intake may just be to reduce your overall food intake. “If you eat 25% more food, you’re likely getting 25% more salt,” says Dr. Bisognano. “Plus, eating more food than you need will probably make you gain weight, which also raises blood pressure.”

The smartest thing to cut out first? Processed foods. More than 75% percent of sodium in the average American diet comes from packaged products like canned soups, salad dressings, bread and cereal, and cold cuts and cured meats.

 

Find a way to relax

Stress can cause blood pressure to rise, both short- and long-term. So finding something that helps you relax can be an important part of preventing or reducing hypertension. What that something is, exactly, is up to you—but research suggests that yoga, meditation, spending time with pets, laughing, and even having sex(!) may be good choices. “Just like with exercise, you have to choose something that you enjoy and that you can do consistently as part of your daily lifestyle,” says Dr. Bisognano.

 

Add strength training to your gym routine

Aerobic exercise will have the biggest effect on your blood pressure, but you’ll get even bigger benefits if you combine your regular sweat sessions with a few weight-lifting or resistance-training workouts a week.

It was once thought that weightlifting could actually raise blood pressure to dangerous levels—and it can, in fact, cause short-term spikes. But now doctors know that having stronger muscles, in the long run, reduces stress and demand on the heart.

 

Don’t overdo your drinking

Moderate alcohol consumption—up to one drink a day for women and two for men—may have beneficial effects on blood pressure. “But any more than that seems to do just the opposite,” says Dr. Goldberg. “We know that heavy drinking raises blood pressure, in addition to increasing your risk for other chronic conditions.”

This shouldn’t just be a concern for older adults or people who already have high blood pressure, either. A 2016 study found that 20-somethings who regularly binge drink were more likely than their moderately drinking peers to have prehypertension—a condition that can progress to full-blown hypertension.

 

Watch your coffee habit

“Moderate coffee intake doesn’t seem to make much of a difference in blood pressure levels,” says Dr. Bisognano, “but I do see more and more people drinking huge amounts of highly caffeinated beverages—and that very likely has a negative effect.” A few cups of coffee a day is fine for most people, he adds, but “if you measure coffee in pots, you could be in trouble.” Watch out for energy drinks, too, which have been shown to spike blood pressure and cause irregular heart rhythms.

 

Get outdoors

Low levels of vitamin D—which the body gets from fortified foods, supplements, or the skin’s exposure to sunlight—have been linked to high blood pressure. But most research has found that taking supplements doesn’t seem to help. Dr. Bisognano says the jury’s still out on how the two are linked. “I have found that people with extremely low vitamin D levels can have high blood pressure that’s more difficult to treat,” he says, “but I can’t be sure whether that’s the driving issue.”

There are other reasons you may want to spend more time in the great outdoors, though. A 2014 study found that when the skin is exposed to sunlight, a chemical reaction causes blood vessels to widen and blood pressure to drop. And in a 2010 study, people who spent time in nature—walking in the forest as opposed to in an urban environment—saw greater reductions in their blood pressure, pulse rate, and stress hormones.

 

Get better sleep

If you’re not getting enough shuteye—either because you’re burning the midnight oil or you’re dealing with a sleep disorder—you may be at greater risk for high blood pressure. That makes sense, says Dr. Goldberg: People who are sleep deprived are more likely to overeat, crave junk food, gain weight, and feel stressed.

In one 2009 study, every hour less of average sleep duration per night was associated with a 37% increase in the odds of developing hypertension over five years. In another report from 2015, people with sleep apnea—a dangerous condition that can cause hypertension in itself—saw reductions in their blood pressure when they were treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines or mandibular advancement devices (MADs).

 

Try acupuncture

Acupuncture might help lower blood pressure, according to a small 2015 study, though the authors say more research is needed to know for sure. Participants had 30 minutes a week of electroacupuncture—in which the needles carry low-level electrical currents—for eight weeks, focusing on their inner wrists and their legs below their knees.

This group saw reductions of 6 to 8 points for systolic blood pressure and 4 points for diastolic blood pressure, compared to another group whose treatment focused on other body parts and who saw no change. Some participants saw further drops when they followed up with monthly treatments for six more months.

 

Lend a helping hand

Being generous with your time, money, or your talents can do more than make you feel good; a 2006 study found that people who gave social support to those in their social networks had lower blood pressure than those who didn’t.

Other research shows that volunteering and helping others can lower stress levels and boost happiness, which may have long-term effects on your blood pressure, as well.

 

Take a nap

Napping may do your heart some good. Adults with high blood pressure who took hour-long naps every day saw their systolic blood pressure drop an average of 5% over the course of the day in a 2015 study, compared to those who didn’t rest. Those who napped also had to take fewer blood pressure medications than those who didn’t, and seemed to have less damage to their arteries and their heart. The study was only able to show a correlation between napping and blood pressure reduction, but the authors say that the results do suggest a benefit to afternoon siestas.

 

Consider other health issues

“Go over your medical history and any drugs and supplements you’re taking with your doctor,” says Dr. Goldberg. “Sometimes you can be on medicines that raise your blood pressure, or you can have an underlying condition—like a thyroid imbalance or a kidney obstruction—that needs to be treated.”

Drugs that can cause hypertension include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), antidepressants, corticosteroids, birth control pills and other hormones, migraine medications, nasal decongestants, and over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. Don’t stop taking a medicine without talking with your doctor first; you may be able to take a replacement or adjust your dosage.

 

Get friends and family on board

Need help enforcing these lifestyle strategies? Tell friends, family, and coworkers that you’re working hard to keep your blood pressure or your weight down, and ask them for your support.

“When you let people know that these goals are important to your health, most of the time they’ll go along with it,” says Dr. Bisognano. “They won’t pressure you to eat a third piece of pizza or to accept a special pie they baked just for you.” You may even encourage to adopt healthy habits, too!

10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication

Lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure. If you successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you might avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.

 

Here are 10 lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure and keep it down.

1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline

Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Being overweight also can cause disrupted breathing while you sleep (sleep apnea), which further raises your blood pressure.

Weight loss is one of the most effective lifestyle changes for controlling blood pressure. Losing even a small amount of weight if you're overweight or obese can help reduce your blood pressure. In general, you may reduce your blood pressure by about 1 millimeter of mercury (mm Hg) with each kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of weight you lose.

Besides shedding pounds, you generally should also keep an eye on your waistline. Carrying too much weight around your waist can put you at greater risk of high blood pressure.

In general:

• Men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters).
• Women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches (89 centimeters).

These numbers vary among ethnic groups. Ask your doctor about a healthy waist measurement for you.

2. Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity — such as 150 minutes a week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week — can lower your blood pressure by about 5 to 8 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure. It's important to be consistent because if you stop exercising, your blood pressure can rise again.

If you have elevated blood pressure, exercise can help you avoid developing hypertension. If you already have hypertension, regular physical activity can bring your blood pressure down to safer levels.

Some examples of aerobic exercise you may try to lower blood pressure include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing. You can also try high-intensity interval training, which involves alternating short bursts of intense activity with subsequent recovery periods of lighter activity. Strength training also can help reduce blood pressure. Aim to include strength training exercises at least two days a week. Talk to your doctor about developing an exercise program.

3. Eat a healthy diet

Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure by up to 11 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure. This eating plan is known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

It isn't easy to change your eating habits, but with these tips, you can adopt a healthy diet:

• Keep a food diary. Writing down what you eat, even for just a week, can shed surprising light on your true eating habits. Monitor what you eat, how much, when and why.
• Consider boosting potassium. Potassium can lessen the effects of sodium on blood pressure. The best source of potassium is food, such as fruits and vegetables, rather than supplements. Talk to your doctor about the potassium level that's best for you.
• Be a smart shopper. Read food labels when you shop and stick to your healthy-eating plan when you're dining out, too.

4. Reduce sodium in your diet

Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can improve your heart health and reduce blood pressure by about 5 to 6 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure.

The effect of sodium intake on blood pressure varies among groups of people. In general, limit sodium to 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day or less. However, a lower sodium intake — 1,500 mg a day or less — is ideal for most adults.

To decrease sodium in your diet, consider these tips:

• Read food labels. If possible, choose low-sodium alternatives of the foods and beverages you normally buy.
• Eat fewer processed foods. Only a small amount of sodium occurs naturally in foods. Most sodium is added during processing.
• Don't add salt. Just 1 level teaspoon of salt has 2,300 mg of sodium. Use herbs or spices to add flavor to your food.
• Ease into it. If you don't feel you can drastically reduce the sodium in your diet suddenly, cut back gradually. Your palate will adjust over time.

5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink

Alcohol can be both good and bad for your health. By drinking alcohol only in moderation — generally one drink a day for women, or two a day for men — you can potentially lower your blood pressure by about 4 mm Hg. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.

But that protective effect is lost if you drink too much alcohol.

Drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol can actually raise blood pressure by several points. It can also reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.

6. Quit smoking

Each cigarette you smoke increases your blood pressure for many minutes after you finish. Stopping smoking helps your blood pressure return to normal. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health. People who quit smoking may live longer than people who never quit smoking.

7. Cut back on caffeine

The role caffeine plays in blood pressure is still debated. Caffeine can raise blood pressure up to 10 mm Hg in people who rarely consume it. But people who drink coffee regularly may experience little or no effect on their blood pressure.

Although the long-term effects of caffeine on blood pressure aren't clear, it's possible blood pressure may slightly increase.

To see if caffeine raises your blood pressure, check your pressure within 30 minutes of drinking a caffeinated beverage. If your blood pressure increases by 5 to 10 mm Hg, you may be sensitive to the blood pressure raising effects of caffeine. Talk to your doctor about the effects of caffeine on your blood pressure.

8. Reduce your stress

Chronic stress may contribute to high blood pressure. More research is needed to determine the effects of chronic stress on blood pressure. Occasional stress also can contribute to high blood pressure if you react to stress by eating unhealthy food, drinking alcohol or smoking.

Take some time to think about what causes you to feel stressed, such as work, family, finances or illness. Once you know what's causing your stress, consider how you can eliminate or reduce stress.

If you can't eliminate all of your stressors, you can at least cope with them in a healthier way. Try to:

• Change your expectations. For example, plan your day and focus on your priorities. Avoid trying to do too much and learn to say no. Understand there are some things you can't change or control, but you can focus on how you react to them.
• Focus on issues you can control and make plans to solve them. If you are having an issue at work, try talking to your manager. If you are having a conflict with your kids or spouse, take steps to resolve it.
• Avoid stress triggers. Try to avoid triggers when you can. For example, if rush-hour traffic on the way to work causes stress, try leaving earlier in the morning, or take public transportation. Avoid people who cause you stress if possible.
• Make time to relax and to do activities you enjoy. Take time each day to sit quietly and breathe deeply. Make time for enjoyable activities or hobbies in your schedule, such as taking a walk, cooking or volunteering.
• Practice gratitude. Expressing gratitude to others can help reduce your stress.

9. Monitor your blood pressure at home and see your doctor regularly

Home monitoring can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure, make certain your lifestyle changes are working, and alert you and your doctor to potential health complications. Blood pressure monitors are available widely and without a prescription. Talk to your doctor about home monitoring before you get started.

Regular visits with your doctor are also key to controlling your blood pressure. If your blood pressure is well-controlled, check with your doctor about how often you need to check it. Your doctor may suggest checking it daily or less often. If you're making any changes in your medications or other treatments, your doctor may recommend you check your blood pressure starting two weeks after treatment changes and a week before your next appointment.

10. Get support

Supportive family and friends can help improve your health. They may encourage you to take care of yourself, drive you to the doctor's office or embark on an exercise program with you to keep your blood pressure low.

If you find you need support beyond your family and friends, consider joining a support group. This may put you in touch with people who can give you an emotional or morale boost and who can offer practical tips to cope with your condition.

Effective Home Remedies to Naturally Lower Blood Pressure

Many people experience high blood pressure, which is a common health issue. It is also referred to as hypertension, a chronic medical condition that develops when the blood pressure in the arteries is too high.

Usually, the systolic and diastolic movements are used to measure blood pressure. When the reading is consistently at or higher than 140/90 mmHg, high blood pressure is indicated.

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to this health issue, including stress, genetics, a high salt diet, obesity, heavy drinking, inactivity, birth control pills, painkillers, and other medications.

 

Numerous chronic medical conditions, such as heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, and chronic kidney failures, can be brought on by hypertension. Despite the fact that many medications are prescribed to treat hypertension. However, there are numerous easy at-home remedies that can assist you in preventing and managing high blood pressure.

 

Here are some of the natural remedies for hypertension that are available in your kitchen.

 

Banana

Banana is the best natural remedy for blood pressure. Eat one or two bananas daily to keep your high blood pressure in control. The high potassium present in the banana will help you control the blood pressure level. It aids you to be free of cholesterol, with its low sodium levels. Apart from banana, you can also try eating spinach, dried apricots, orange juice, raisins, currants, baked sweet potatoes, winter squash, zucchini, and cantaloupe.

 

Garlic

Garlic processes the great properties that help you get blood pressure in control. Either raw or cooked form garlic helps you in reducing cholesterol level. Whenever you have your blood pressure level high then try eating 1 – 2 slightly crushed cloves of garlic regularly. As crushed garlic cloves generate hydrogen sulfide, which helps in promoting good flow of blood, decreases the pressure on the heart and gets rid of gas. You can also take 5 to 6 drops of garlic juice mixed with 4 teaspoons of water two times a day for better results.

 

Celery
Celery contains high levels of 3-N-butylphthalide, which is a ‘phytochemical’ that helps you to control high blood pressure level. Eat celery regularly to see improvement in your blood pressure level. It also helps you in stress hormones reduction that constricts the blood vessels, which may lead to high BP. If you like celery then you can munch on to lower your BP or you can consume one stalk of it along with one glass of water every day.

 

Lemon

Lemon is one of the best remedies for hypertension. It makes the blood vessels soft and flexible removing their rigidness, making the blood pressure levels low. Lemon contains high amounts of Vitamin B, so regularly consuming lemon helps you prevent for heart failure. If you are having high blood pressure then you must drink fresh lemon juice as many times as possible. Drinking one glass lemon juice mixed with warm water every morning on empty stomach is good for health. Avoid adding salt or sugar for good results.

 

Honey

Honey has a soothing effect on your blood vessels and helps in reducing the pressure from the heart, in turn lowers high blood pressure. Consuming 1 or 2 tbsps of honey daily will help you in controlling hypertension. Taking two teaspoons of honey early in the morning on empty stomach is a very good option. You can otherwise mix 1 tsp of honey, 1 tsp of ginger juice and 2 teaspoons of powered cumin seeds and eat it two times a day. You can also consume the mixture of honey and basil juice on empty stomach regularly for better results.

 

Onion Juice

Onion is an effective remedy for lowering the high blood pressure level. You can eat one raw onion (medium sized) on a daily basis or consume the mixture of honey and onion juice. Taking 1/2 teaspoon of onion juice mixed with 1/2 teaspoon honey twice every day, will aid you in reducing the blood pressure level. You can notice a good improvement in your BP levels by taking onion juice twice a day for about 1 – 2 weeks.

Cayenne Pepper

If you are suffering from mild hypertension then cayenne pepper is the best natural remedy you can take. It makes the blood flow smooth by preventing the blood platelets from forming clumps and prevents their accumulation in the blood. Cayenne pepper can be added to vegetable salad or fruit salad. You can even add a generous pinch of cayenne pepper powder into your soup and drink it. Use only a small pinch of cayenne pepper as it is very spicy.

 

Coconut Water

It is always good to keep your body well hydrated and it is recommended if you’re suffering with high BP. Drink about 8 – 10 glasses of water every day. You can also drink tender coconut or coconut water, along with regular water for good results. Coconut water is tasty and processes nutritional values as well. They help in lowering and controlling the hypertension levels. You can improve blood pressure level by consuming coconut water regularly. You can also try using coconut oil instead of regular oil for cooking.

 

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are most effective remedy for lowering the high blood pressure level. Take one to two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds and boil them for about 2 minutes in water. Now strain out the water from the fenugreek seeds and bled them in a fine paste. Eat one tablespoon of this paste early in the morning on empty stomach and in the evening respectively. Continue for two or three months to control and lower your blood pressure level.

Watermelon Seeds

A compound called ‘cucurbocitrin’ that is present in Watermelon seeds widens the blood capillaries. Apart for this it also improves the kidneys functionality. It also reduces blood pressure level in arthritis. Crush 2 table spoons of dried watermelon seeds and add them to one cup of boiled water. After leaving it for about an hour, strain the seeds and take 4 tbsps of this water at regular intervals.

 

9 Hidden And Dangerous Signs Of High Blood Pressure That Everyone Ignores

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that over 70 million Americans experience hypertension, or elevated blood pressure. One out of every three is that. The fact that nearly the same amount is regarded as pre-hypertensive is even more concerning. 20% of Americans are thought to be unaware that they have high blood pressure, and only 52% of those who have the illness are under control.

The greatest challenge for identifying high blood pressure is many of the symptoms can easily be attributed to something else. For example, could that shortness of breath just mean you’re out of shape? Could that feeling of being tired simply mean you’ve been putting in more hours at the office than normal? In fact, the symptoms for high pressure can seem so mild even your doctor can miss them.

 

So what is blood pressure? Really, it’s just a number. It’s the measurement used by doctors to gauge the pressure of blood against the arterial walls as it travels from your heart to other parts of your body. When things are running smoothly, your blood pressure should be 120/80 (120 is the systolic number; 80 is the diastolic number).

 

High blood pressure becomes more than just a number when you realize that over 1000 people die every day from it, or it’s by-products: cardiovascular disease and stroke.

 

It’s not uncommon to have an increase in those numbers when you are exercising, change posture, sleep or are experiencing some stress. The problem arises when that reading stays at above-normal ranges. A single high reading doesn’t mean automatic high blood pressure. However, if you experience a higher than normal reading your doctor may monitor the reading over time before making a health assessment.

Now you know what it is, what are the often ignored warnings signs?

 

Uncommon Signs of High Blood Pressure

Nosebleeds: A change in your blood pressure could spark a nosebleed. If you experience an increase in how often you get them or begin having them, consider a check of your blood pressure.

Headaches: Now, how easy would it be to miss this common ache as a sign of high blood pressure? It seems the only way to avoid a headache would be to live in a Zen-like bubble. Be aware of how often you experience pain. Jot it down in your journal along with a note about foods you ate or activities you experienced to help narrow down a possible cause.

 

Dizziness: That sensation of a spinning room may be more than vertigo or a wild night of partying. A lack of oxygen to the brain often causes you to feel off balance.

 

Housework Fatigue: It’s easy to blow off a day of housecleaning because you feel exhausted. However, if this once easy task suddenly makes you short of breath, take note.

 

Brain Fog: After a full day, it can be harder to process your thoughts. As you age, you may believe that slower brain function is just “normal.” However, this slowdown could be a sign of high blood pressure.

 

Blue Feet: When your oxygen-rich blood becomes less oxygenated due to disruption to a healthy blood pressure, your feet make take on a blueish color.

 

Edema or Swollen Feet: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is an extreme by- a product of high blood pressure. Swelling of your feet, legs and ankles could be the result of improperly functioning kidneys. Fluid retention is more likely the longer you have PAH.

Hostility: Is it possible your road rage is caused by high pressure rather than the other way around? In a world where it’s so easy to get angry at something, be aware that your feelings of hostility may have a health-related cause (rather than a people-related cause!)

Depression: This is an easy one to miss because every now and then, we all get the blues. But when your depression lasts longer than what’s healthy, checking in with your blood pressure may be just as good, if not better, than checking in with your therapist.

 

What’s the Solution?

The good news is healthy blood pressure is in your control. While you should always work with your doctor for the best treatment for you, understand that you can use natural alternatives and delicious food to eat your way healthily.

Massage Therapy: Studies reveal that massage therapy is effective in reducing diastolic pressure and the symptoms associated with hypertension. This ability to relieve stress is a healthy, drug-free way to keep your blood pressure in check.

Fish Oil: Omega 3 Fatty acids, found in fatty fish such as salmon, are known to reduce inflammation. We are learning more and more about whole body inflammation and its negative effects on the body. Many believe it’s a contributing factor for many chronic health conditions.

DASH Diet: A “diet” is not only about losing weight; it’s a way of eating. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is a lifestyle approach to blood pressure. One study revealed that a combination of DASH, weight loss, and exercise resulted in the greatest improvement in blood pressure.

Conclusion

You have control of your blood pressure. Thousands of people are discovering how what they eat and how they live can result in positive health benefits. You don’t have to be a slave to prescription drugs, or settle for a life of pain, fatigue, or general feelings of “blah.