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Posts tagged hypertension
Foods related to High Blood Pressure
Apr 6th
The heart pumps blood around the body through the blood vessels. Blood pressure is the amount of force exerted on the
artery walls by the pumping blood. In case of high blood pressure the blood is pumped through the arteries with a force that is higher than normal.
Dietary modification plays a significant role in maintaining normal level of blood pressure in people suffering from high blood pressure.
Certain foods are linked to high blood pressure. They are as follows:
Foods that are high in sodium content are linked to high blood pressure
Salt causes excessive retention of water in the body. Foods high in salt when consumes regularly by people with high blood pressure leads to an increased retention of water in the body. This results in an increase in the volume of blood. As a result of this heart has to pump the blood with more force than normal. Hence in people affected by high blood pressure it is recommended that they should reduce their salt intake. Certain foods like pizza, salted chips and salted nuts are considerably high in their salt content. These foods need to be avoided. Foods should be cooked with less salt than usual. Many people have the habit of adding extra salt to their meals. This needs to be avoided.
Foods high in saturated fats must be avoided
Not all fats are harmful to the body. There are two types of fats-good fats or unsaturated fats and bad fats or saturated fats. Foods high in saturated fats should be avoided. Saturated fats are linked to several diseases like arteriosclerosis which means hardening of arteries. These saturated fats are deposited in the inner lining of the arteries. As a result of this the arteries lose their elasticity and become hard. Hence the blood passing through these arteries cannot pass in a regular flow and blood flow becomes sluggish. In order to maintain the regular blood flow the heart has to pump the blood with extra force and this causes rise in the normal blood pressure levels. Saturated fats are also linked to rise in the cholesterol levels. Foods that are high in saturated fats include fried foods like chips, Fried chicken, dairy products like ice cream, cheese and milkshakes. These foods need to be avoided as they also lead to obesity which is another health problem associated with high blood pressure.
Foods that are rich in unsaturated fats are olive oil, nuts and seeds. Unsaturated fats have beneficial effects on the heart. Instead of cooking in unhealthy oils, foods can be cooked in olive oil or sunflower oil.
Healthy eating
Many fast foods, preserved foods like pickles and sauces and junk food like pizzas, chips and burgers are high in salt content as well as their fat content. These foods need to be replaced with fresh healthy meals cooked at home. One must include at least 5 servings of vegetables and at least 2 servings of fruits in the diet on a daily basis. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber content and help to keep you fuller for longer.
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Treatment for High Blood Pressure
Apr 4th
Cure for High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the amount of force exerted on the artery walls by the pumping blood.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Normal level of blood pressure is 120/80 mm of Hg. If a person‘s systolic blood pressure exceeds 140 mm of Hg and diastolic pressure exceeds 90 mm of Hg then he is diagnosed to be suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure.
The goal of treatment in people suffering from high blood pressure is to maintain the blood pressure within the normal range. High blood pressure can lead to serious complications like heart attacks, heart failure, strokes and even kidney disease. Treatment is also focused on protecting vital organs of the body like brain, heart and the kidneys.
Treatment can be divided into two main types-lifestyle changes and anti-hypertensive medications.
Some commonly used anti-hypertensive medications are as follows:
- Angiotensin
-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
Diuretics are the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of high blood pressure.
Lifestyle changes necessary to maintain blood pressure within the normal range in persons suffering from hypertension are detailed as below:
Reducing the intake of salt in the diet helps in lowering high blood pressure
Reducing the salt intake in food is very necessary in order to maintain the blood pressure within the normal range. Persons suffering from high blood pressure should cook food with less salt. They need to avoid salty foods and also avoid adding extra salt to their meals. Salt has a tendency to retain water in the body. The extra retention of water in the body leads to the increase in blood pressure.
Regular exercise is recommended to keep the blood pressure levels within normal range
Doctors recommend that the best exercise is walking. Walking provides an efficient workout for the entire body and keeps the mind fresh. A brisk walk for at least 30 minutes every day is recommended in order to maintain the fitness levels. High blood pressure is often associated with other problems like arteriosclerosis, increased cholesterol levels and diabetes mellitus. Walking and any other form of regular exercise has great beneficial effects not only in case of high blood pressure but for other related problems as well.
Eat a low fat high fiber diet to maintain blood pressure levels
Eating a low fat balanced diet is very necessary for people suffering with high blood pressure. People affected by high blood pressure need to avoid fried foods and dairy products like cheese and ice cream. They need to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables which are high in soluble fiber.
Quitting smoking is recommended for people affected by high blood pressure
Smoking tends to increase the blood pressure levels. Hence quitting smoking plays an important role in maintaining blood pressure levels within the normal range.
Limit alcohol intake
Heavy drinking is linked to high blood pressure. Hence cutting down on alcohol consumption is extremely beneficial for hypertensive people.
=> Discover How 3 Easy Exercises Can Drop Your Blood Pressure Below 120/80 In Less Than A Week …
How to Lower High Blood Pressure
Apr 2nd
Click here to learn more about reducing blood pressure naturally
High blood pressure is a common disorder of the circulatory system. High blood pressure is also called as hypertension.
Normal level of blood pressure is 120/80 mm of Hg. If the systolic blood pressure of a person is in the range of 120 to 139 mm of Hg and the diastolic blood pressure is in the range of 80 to 89 mm of Hg then he is diagnosed to be suffering from pre-hypertension. When a person’s systolic blood pressure exceeds 140 mm of Hg and diastolic pressure exceeds 90 mm of Hg then he is diagnosed to be suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure.
The main line of treatment to lower high blood pressure is the use of diuretics. Treatment is focused on maintaining the blood pressure within normal range and preventing associated complications like stroke, heart attacks, heart failure and kidney disease.
There are a number of ways to lower high blood pressure. These include lifestyle changes, exercise regimen and dietary modifications.
A carefully planned exercise regimen is necessary to reduce high blood pressure
Doctors have stressed the importance of regular exercise. Walking is the best exercise and doctors recommend a brisk walk at least 30 to 45 minutes every day and several days a week. Walking briskly increases the heart rate and provides an all body workout. It also maintains stamina and fitness levels. It helps in reducing weight as hypertension is closely associated with obesity. Hypertension may result in complications like heart attacks and stroke. So before starting any new exercise regimen hypertensive people must consult their physician.
Lifestyle Changes that need to be incorporated in order to reduce high blood pressure are as follows:
Cutting down on alcohol helps to lower high blood pressure
Heavy drinking has been linked to high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure should reduce their alcohol consumption to two standard drinks for men and one standard drink for women daily. There should be at least two alcohol free days every week.
Quitting smoking is necessary to lower high blood pressure
This is an extremely important lifestyle change that can be made in order to maintain a normal blood pressure as well as cut down the risk of other health problems. Smoking and high blood pressure increase the risk of stroke. Hence people, with high blood pressure should take the necessary steps to quit smoking.
Practicing meditation in order to reduce stress levels
People who are continuously exposed to stress in their daily life are at a risk of elevated levels of blood pressure even though they are taking regular anti-hypertensive medications. Hence practicing meditation, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques or psychotherapy-anything that helps in calming the mind and reducing stress levels is recommended.
Regular monitoring of high blood pressure
People suffering from high blood pressure should undergo routine medical checkups along with blood pressure monitoring. This helps to detect any rise in the blood pressure and also helps in early detection and prevention of any further complications associated with high blood pressure.
Dietary modifications
A low fat high fiber diet is recommended for people with high blood pressure. They should cut down on their salt intake in order to lower the hypertension.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
Apr 2nd
High blood pressure is also called as hypertension. High blood pressure is a common disorder of the circulatory system.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Normal level of blood pressure is 120/80 mm of Hg. If a person‘s systolic blood pressure exceeds 140 mm of Hg and diastolic pressure exceeds 90 mm of Hg then he is diagnosed to be suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure.
Some of the factors that contribute to the development of high blood pressure are as follows:
Hereditary Factors increases the risk of hypertension
High blood pressure often runs in families. Genetic predisposition plays a major role in the development of high blood pressure.
Advancing age leads to the hardening of arteries.
As age advances the arteries start to lose their elasticity and tend to become harder. The hardening of arteries alters the pressure with which the blood flows through them. As a result of this the person is more prone to develop high blood pressure with advancing age.
Obese people are more at a risk of developing high blood pressure
Obese people who lead a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of physical activity and exercise are more at a risk of developing high blood pressure. The heart has to pump blood with an extra force in obese people making them more susceptible to hypertension.
People leading a stressful life may develop high blood pressure
Nowadays stress is the leading cause of many ailments like high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and stroke. When a person is under stress the heart rate gets elevated due to the release of a hormone called adrenaline. As a result of this blood is pumped into the body at a force higher than normal. When a person is under constant stress the heart has to overwork by beating harder and by pumping blood faster. The blood pressure gets elevated after any physical exertion or exercise and returns back to normal levels during rest. This situation is normal. But in case of stress the person continuously thinks about the stressful situations and the blood pressure is constantly elevated. Hence people living under stress are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure. Stress is also known to elevate the blood pressure in people already under medication for hypertension.
Sedentary life style increases risk of high blood pressure
Studies have shown that high blood pressure is more common in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle with lack of physical activity. Eating junk food, high fat diet and lack of exercise leads to obesity thereby making these people more susceptible to hypertension.
Hypertension as a result of other medical conditions
High blood pressure may be caused because of other medical conditions like kidney disease and thyroid disorders in which high blood pressure is one of the symptoms.
Heavy drinking may also increase the risk of high blood pressure
Hypertension can also be caused as a result of heavy consumption of alcohol and heavy smoking.
What is High Blood Pressure – Hypertension
Apr 1st
High blood pressure is also known as hypertension.
The heart pumps blood around the body through the blood vessels. Blood pressure is the amount of force exerted on the artery walls by the pumping blood. In case of high blood pressure the blood is pumped through the arteries with a force that is higher than normal.
High blood pressure is a common disorder of the circulatory system. Your blood pressure is naturally higher when you are involved in physical exertion or sudden emotional disturbances like watching a horror movie that terrifies you. It is only a concern if your blood pressure is high when you are at rest, because this means your heart is overworked and your arteries have extra stress in their walls.
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure
A pressure measuring instrument called sphygmomanometer
Range of normal blood pressure
Normal level of blood pressure is 120/80 mm of Hg. When the blood pressure is just below this range it is defined as normal blood pressure. When a person ‘s blood pressure is in the range of 120/80 mm of Hg and 140/90 mm of Hg then it is termed as higher than normal blood pressure. If a person‘s systolic blood pressure exceeds 140 mm of Hg and diastolic pressure exceeds 90 mm of Hg then he is diagnosed to be suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure.
It is recommended that one should not drink caffeine or smoke at least 2 hours before taking the reading as this can cause an increase in the blood pressure readings. In many cases the person shows elevated blood pressure readings at the doctor’s clinic but when the reading is taken again at home they show the reading to be normal. This has been found to be related to anxiety associated with checkup and it is fairly common.
Types of high blood pressure
Depending on the severity of high blood pressure it is classified into three main types- mild, moderate and severe hypertension.
Importance of routine medical checkups
High blood pressure usually does not produce any symptoms in the affected individual. Hence it is important to undergo routine medical checkups for an early diagnosis of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for cardiac disease and stroke. Hence regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential. Regular monitoring also helps in altering the line of treatment in case the blood pressure is elevated even after taking anti-hypertensive medications or in case of sudden emotional disturbances. High blood pressure may also be associated with other medical conditions like increased cholesterol levels and arteriosclerosis which is disease causing thickening of the inner lining of arteries.
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