Health Issues Linked to High Blood Pressure
Description:
Hypertension is a condition of high blood pressure regardless of the
cause. It is more common in blacks, and the risk increases with age.
One-fourth of people in the United States between the ages of 20-74
have hypertension, and three-fourths of women and two-thirds of men
over 75 have hypertension.
Blood pressure is described by two values: the highest pressure in
the arteries when the heart contracts (systolic pressure), and the
lowest pressure just before the heart contracts (diastolic pressure).
Blood pressure is considered high when the systolic pressure is above
140 and the diastolic pressure is above 90 for mild hypertension.
When a change in blood pressure occurs, the body has compensatory
means of returning it back to normal. These include changing the amount
of blood that the heart pumps, controlling the diameter of the
arteries, and changing the volume of blood in the bloodstream. The
kidneys can also help control blood pressure by excreting salt and
water in the blood so that the blood volume decreases, which returns
the pressure to normal
For those that have primary hypertension, the cause is unknown.
However, the increase in pressure may be due to a change in the heart
and blood vessels or an increase in the blood volume. Other factors
contributing to hypertension include an inherited abnormality, obesity,
sedentary lifestyle, stress, smoking, excessive alcohol, and salt.
Most people with hypertension experience no symptoms from
hypertension itself, so it often goes a long time without being
treated. However, once damage has occurred to other organs as a result
of hypertension (brain, eyes, heart, kidneys), symptoms of those
conditions may manifest themselves as headaches, fatigue, nausea,
vomiting, shortness of breath, restlessness, and blurred vision.
Hypertension increases for other conditions. The higher the
pressure, the more likely you are to experience a stroke, mycardial
infraction, angina, heart failure, renal failure, or early death from a
cardiovascular cause.
-- Causes of high blood pressure & hypertention --
According to the American Heart Association, the cause of 90-95
percent of high blood pressure cases is unknown. These cases are
referred to as primary hypertension. The other 5-10 percent of the
cases are caused by kidney abnormalities, structural abnormality of the
aorta, or narrowing of arteries known as secondary hypertension. The
National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute (National Institute of Health)
states that high blood pressure can be prevented and controlled. High
blood pressure increases the risk for stroke, myocardio infraction,
heart failure, renal failure, and early death from cardiovascular
problems.
-- The Nutitional Approach --
Foods that have been proven to help with high blood pressure:
Complex carbohydrates, garlic, onioins, shallots, chives, leeks,
oats, wheat germ, olives, nuts, organ meats, eggs, raspberries,
cranberries, grapes, red whine, black currant red cabbage, green tea.
Nutrients that have been proven to help with high blood pressure:
Plant enzymes, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, and Garlic.
Excercises that have been proven to help with high blood pressure:
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine provides
further proof that exercise, especially in combination with weight
loss, can help keep high blood pressure under control. Exercise will
decrease the amount of fat present in the body which puts extra stress
on the cardiovascular system.
-- Basic High Blood Pressure Plan --
- Reduce stress.
- Maintain an optimal weight.
- Select foods high in antioxidants.
- Select low sodium foods.
- Select foods rich in enzymes (raw foods).
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid foods high in saturated fats.
- Avoid coffee, teas, and sodas - they increases blood pressure temporarily.
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