Elevated
blood pressure is a major risk factor for a heart attack or stroke.
In fact, it is generally regarded as a the greatest of the risk
factors for a stroke. Most people do not notice they have high blood
pressure until they get their blood pressure measured.
High
pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, is a disease, not just an
increase in blood pressure. At least three readings should be made
before the final diagnosis since fluctuations are normal. Stress,
anxiety, anger and physical activity cause substantial changes in
readings.
The
blood pressure denotes the resistance produced each time the heart
beats and sends blood coursing through the arteries. The peak reading
of the pressure exerted by this contraction is the Systolic pressure.
Between beats, the heart relaxes, and blood pressure drops. The
lowest reading is referred to as the Diastolic pressure. A normal
blood pressure reading for an adult is 120 (Systolic) / 80
(Diastolic).
High
blood pressure is divided into different levels:
- Borderline: 120-160 / 90-94;
- Mild: 140-160 / 95-104;
- Moderate: 140-180 / 105-114;
- Severe: 160 + / 115 +.
Since
over 80% of patients with high blood pressure are in the
borderline-to-moderate range, many cases of high blood pressure can
be brought under control through changes in diet and lifestyle.
By
far the most common reason for high blood pressure is
arteriosclerosis. Narrowed arteries plugged with fatty deposits are
usually linked to poor eating habits, high levels of stress, smoking
and little physical activity.
Typically,
a diet rich in saturated fats, meat and refined products and lacking
in fresh vegetables, fruits and fibre from whole grains is to blame.
The cholesterol-free, commercial vegetable oils, shortening and
margarine are no better, as these contain trans-fatty acids. Vegetarians have a lower incidence of hypertension. Obesity increases
the risks. Salt, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes are not direct
causes, but certainly contribute substantially to increasing blood
pressure.
Next
to attaining ideal body weight, the most important dietary
recommendation is perhaps to increase the consumption of plant foods
in the diet. Special foods for people with high blood pressure
include: celery, garlic and onions, nuts and seeds or their oils,
cold-water fish (salmon, mackerel, etc.), green leafy vegetables (as
a rich source of calcium and magnesium), whole grains and legumes and
foods rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli and citrus fruits. Eating
four ribs of celery a day has been shown to reduce mild hypertension
over a few months.
Stress
can cause high blood pressure in many instances. Relaxation
techniques, such as yoga, have been shown to have some value in
lowering blood pressure.
Herbal
remedies complement dietary changes in the effective treatment of
high blood pressure. Hawthorn is one of the most reliable remedies
for regulating high blood pressure. It dilates larger blood vessels
and inhibits formation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE);
similarly with ACE-inhibiting drugs. Aside from its blood
pressure-lowering effect, hawthorn strengthens the muscular ability
of the heart and can help the body rid itself of excess fluid. Take 1
tablespoon of Hawthorn Juice three times a day.
It’s
always important not to ignore high blood pressure; by using natural
methods, one may be able to reduce high blood pressure. But if this
can’t be done, then visit your GP.
David Foley
MNIMH, MRCHM
Medical Herbalist
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