High Blood Pressure

Published Date: 6/17/2023 6:05:58 AM

  • A condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high.
  • Usually, hypertension is defined as blood pressure above 140/90 and is considered severe if the pressure is above 180/120.
  • High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Over time, if untreated, it can cause health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke.

Types of High Blood Pressure:

Hypertension can be classified into two broad categories which include:

  1. Primary Hypertension: This usually occurs as a result of genetic traits combined with environmental factors.
  2. Secondary Hypertension: This usually occurs due to identifiable causes like renal disease, obesity, hyperthyroidism, hyperthyroidism and sleep apnea, etc.

Common Causes for High Blood Pressure: 

  • Hypertension in individuals is usually caused by conditions like obesity, kidney diseases, abnormal blood vessels, thyroid deficiencies, adrenal diseases, and eclampsia (in a pregnant woman), etc.
  • Factors like old age, genetic traits, lack of physical exercises, increased intake of sodium aka salt, use of birth control pills, frequent use of pain relievers, and excess alcohol consumption, etc. can also lead to hypertension in the long run.
  • In fact, many individuals suffering from high blood pressure hardly experience any symptoms until the condition becomes serious. Nevertheless, there are some telltale signs that can help identify the possible threat of high blood pressure in an individual. These include frequent headaches, breathlessness, disorientation, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sleep apnea, insomnia, excessive sweating, epistaxis (nose bleeding) and blurred vision, etc.
  • Blood pressure is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels. Most of this pressure results from the heart pumping blood through the circulatory system.
Symptoms of hypertension:
  • headaches.
  • shortness of breath.
  • nosebleeds.
  • flushing.
  • dizziness.
  • chest pain.
  • visual changes.
  • blood in the urine.

Ayurvedic Medicines Use for High Blood Pressure:

Remedies for high blood pressure:

  • Watermelon Seeds: The seeds of this fruit contain cucurbitacin, a compound that can help widen the blood vessels. This would reduce the pressure placed on the arteries to a great extent. Cucurbocitrin can also improve kidney function, thereby reducing hypertension caused by kidney diseases.
  • Dry watermelon seeds nicely and crush them to form a powder. Add two teaspoons of the powder to a cup of water and boil the mixture nicely. Steep the solution for an hour, strain it and then drink at least half a cup of it regularly (at least 3 times a day).
  • Honey and Onion Juice:  Honey is known to be an effective antioxidant that can cleanse the body of impurities and harmful organisms that can contribute to hypertension. You can either consume it with ginger juice or onion juice for desirable results. Accordingly, add a few drops of onion to a tablespoon of either onion or ginger juice. Drink at least 2 tablespoons of this remedy every day to keep hypertension and its associated symptoms at bay.
  • Bananas: Bananas contain high amounts of potassium which can help lower hypertension and provide relief from its symptoms. Bananas are also cholesterol-free and can reduce your sodium intake to a great extent. Try eating at least 2 bananas every day for desirable results. Other alternatives (for potassium-rich foods) you can try out include raisins, spinach, oranges, dried apricots, and sweet potatoes.
  • Coconut Water: Drinking plenty of coconut water along with normal water on a regular basis can help control hypertension and its symptoms. Regular intake of coconut water can in fact reduce hypertension quickly and effectively.
  • Along with drinking coconut water on a daily basis, you can opt to substitute the cooking oil. normally use with coconut oil. Doing so would reduce hypertension as well as your cholesterol levels to a great extent.
  • Broccoli: Broccoli is rich in potassium but it also contains chromium which helps regulate blood glucose and insulin. Cook it with just the right amount of water needed to cover it and it will not lose its nutrients. It would be best to eat raw.
  • Tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich in calcium and potassium and contain vitamins A, C, and E. Tomatoes also contain lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant that is known to prevent cardiovascular disease. It also helps to lower blood pressure.

Treatment:

  • 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 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 to 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.

Mudra Therapy for High Blood Pressure:

PRAN MUDRA, APAN VAYU MUDRA, VYAN MUDRA, AKASH MUDRA

 

 

 


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