Hypertension is a condition caused by an increase in the blood pressure. As the blood flows through blood vessels in the human body, it exerts pressure against the walls of the vessels. As the heart contracts in its cycle of pumping blood, blood pressure reaches its highest level. This is called systolic blood pressure. The blood pressure reaches its lowest point when the heart is at rest or is released. This is called diastolic blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mm of Hg (Mercury) for a healthy person. There is no safe limit beyond normal. Any value other than normal should be a reason for taking care.
If continuously, the systolic and diastolic pressure excelled the limit of 140/90, a human being is said to have high blood pressure. He needs medical care values higher than 160/95 are placed in the danger zone.
Types of hypertension:
There are different types of hypertension depending upon the causes; -
Essential hypertension; this simply means that the hypertension is of unknown origin. However in most patients with essential hypertension there is a strong hereditary tendency.
Neurogenic hypertension: it can be caused by strong stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. For example when a person becomes excited for any reason or at any time during states of anxiety the sympathetic system becomes stimulated, vasoconstriction occurs everywhere in the body and acute hypertension occurs.
Hypertension in toxemia of pregnancy: - during pregnancy many patients develop hypertension. The main reason for this hypertension is believed to be thickening of the glomerular membrane, which decreases the rate of fluid filtration from the glomeruli into the renal tubules.
People who are at more risk of high blood pressure than others:
More men below 45 years of age than women in that age group.
Obese persons are more prone to high blood pressure.
A child of parents either of who might have suffered from high blood pressure.
Persons who use excess amount of salt, pickles, meat and fried food.
Some users of birth control pills.
Smokers are also at higher risk.
Results of high blood pressure: -
First of all the arterial walls become thick and hardened. The heart muscles come under strain. They are overworked.
Congestive heart failure also can result from hypertension. Congestive heart failure can result from many causes. But its most significant cause is hypertension.
One of the most serious results of hypertension is a stroke, which results in the damage of brain. High blood pressure makes it difficult for blood vessels to function properly. The brain does not get proper nourishment by way of blood and oxygen. Blood coming with greater pressure than normal, physically hurts the sensitive inner walls of the arteries. A deposit of plaque forms more rapidly than in normal cases. The blood vessels lose their elasticity. To put it in layman's language: 'As the plumbing becomes rotten and defective, a sudden choking occurs'. In this case, the choking is that of the supply of blood. The patient suffers a stroke, which can even be fatal. A stroke may not always kill. But once it has affected a person, his ability to walk, think, read, write or to speak is greatly reduced. Even if a stroke does not occur, a decrease in the supply of oxygen to the brain over a long period of time, affects intelligence, clarity of thinking and weakness of memory.
Hypertension can cause congestion in the lungs.
High blood pressure also slows down the functioning of kidneys.
HOME REMEDIES FOR HYPERTENSION
Garlic helps to lower blood pressure by 5 to 10%. It can also lower cholesterol, reduce triglyceride levels, does not allow the clot formation, and increases blood circulation.
Add one teaspoon of cayenne pepper in half a cup Luke warm water and stir. Drink when required. This is very effective natural cure for high blood pressure.
Prepare a mixture by adding 1/2 onion juice and 1/2 honey. Take 2 tbls once a day for 1-2 weeks. This is very effective home remedy for hypertension.
Eat 1 Papaya on an empty stomach daily for a month. Do not eat anything after for about 2 hours.
Intake of potassium also helps to maintain the blood pressure.
Some parts of the Laminaria and similar seaweeds are used as a blood-pressure-lowering drug in a preparation called Kombu.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has a tonic effect on the heart and circulatory system. Drink the tea daily, or use lemon balm vinegar on salads. This is also very effective home remedy for hypertension.
Take nutmeg or saraswat powder in warm milk.
Take equal parts of Ashwagandha, Valerian, and Gotu kola. Mix well and take 1-3 grams of the powdered herbs with warm water or with ghee.
Being physically active is one of the most important steps to prevent or control high blood pressure.
Reduce salt intake, smoking, alcohol intake and avoid fried foods.
Increase the intake of fruits and green vegetables in the diet.
Those who are over weight should try hard to reduce weight. Weight reduction can be achieved through regulation of diet, reasonable and non-tiring exercise.
Morning walk is also very helpful for hypretension treatment.