Natural Home Remedies And Cures

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure affects nearly 70.6 million people over the age of 20 in the United States alone! That’s one in three adults. Over 20% of  the people with this disease don’t even realize they have it!

In the ten year span of 1995-2005 the death rate from high blood pressure increased over 25%, and the actual number of deaths rose 52.4%.African-Americans have the highest death rate from hypertension. In the year 2005 the death rate from high blood pressure per 100,000 was 52.1 for black males and 15.8 for white males, 40.3 for black females and 15.1 for white females.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure can be a symptomless disease and is known as the “silent killer”. Everyone should have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis, it’s a very easy,  painless procedure.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

As the heart pumps blood,  pressure is created within the arteries, when this pressure becomes excessive it’s called high blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured with a blood pressure cuff and is recorded as two numbers, such as 120/80mm Hg or (millimeters of mercury.)

The top larger number is called the systolic pressure. This is the pressure created when the heart contracts or pumps.

The second smaller number is known as the diastolic pressure. This is the arterial pressure in between pumps or when the heart is filling with blood.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

In 90-95 percent of high blood pressure cases, the exact causes are unknown, although genetics does seem to play a role. In fact you could suffer with high blood pressure for years without even knowing it, hence the tag “silent killer”. This majority of cases is known as primary or essential hypertension. The remaining 5-10 percent of cases are known as secondary hypertension, and contributing factors could include kidney abnormality, a structural abnormality of the aorta caused by a birth defect, thyroid dysfunction, certain drugs,  or sometimes the narrowing of certain arteries. Other possible contributing factors of high blood pressure:

• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
• Stress
• Some types of drugs (steroids, cocaine, diet pills)
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Use of birth control pills
• Sodium (salt)
• Use of tabacco

Symptoms Or Signs Of High Blood Pressure

It’s important to be aware of the fact that for most cases of high blood pressure there may well be no real symptoms. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause damage to your body, such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, or kidney failure.You’ll read this more than once here, but I just can’t emphasize the importance of this enough- everyone should get his or her blood pressure checked on a regular basis (at least once every two years, or more often if you have had high blood pressure in the past), and  especially if you experience any symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Low tolerance to exercise
• Nausea
• Episodes of confusion
• Tightness, pressure, or pain in the arms or chest

How To Help Prevent, Or Lower Your High Blood Pressure

Prevention is the best course of action when it comes to high blood pressure. By implementing these lifestyle changes you will stand a better chance of preventing high blood pressure in the first place or lowering it if you have already developed hypertension. Here is a list of things you should do to help prevent, or lower your blood pressure:

• Eat healthy foods-control your weight
• Exercise, stay active
• Try to reduce your stress level (try relaxation techniques, meditation, ect.)
• Talk to your doctor about any drugs you take that may contribute to your high blood pressure
• Limit, or discontinue your alcohol consumption
• Limit your use of salt in your diet to about 2000 milligrams a day (talk to your doctor)
• Stop smoking, or using any tobacco products 
• Monitor your blood pressure,  if it’s above 120/80,  see your doctor

Vitamins, Supplements, And Herbs That May Help Lower Your Blood Pressure

Here is a list of herbs and supplements that may help in the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure, as always I recommend talking to your doctor before attempting  self-treatment of any disease or condition.

• Calcium
• Vitamin C
• Coenzyme Q10
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Hawthorn
• Flaxseed Oil
• Fish Oils
• Taurine and Arginine (amino-acids)
• Aurum
• Belladonna
• Lachesis
• Garlic
• Ginkgo Biloba
• Maitake
• Ginger Root
• Olive Leaf
• Skullcap
• Burdock
• Nutmeg
• Kelp
• Rosemary
• Ginsing

As always I recommend you discuss any and all self-treatment options with your doctor, and research these vitamins, supplements, and herbs to get an understanding of  recommended dosages, side effects, ect. I will be adding a site detailing the origin, dosage, correct way to adnimister, side effects, ect.  all the vitamins, supplements, and herbs recommented on this site. Again be careful of what you put into this one and only body you’ve been given! Although most vitamins, minerals, supplements, and herbs are safe, with limited side effects, some can be toxic if taken carelessly. Do your research-know what you’re putting in your body!