Hypertension or High Blood Pressure Symptoms and Diet

Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, is a common disorder in which blood pressure remains abnormally high (a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or greater). Many people suffer from high blood pressure for years without even knowing it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, blindness or kidney failure. Though Blood pressure can happen to even an infant it is normally noticed that the Older the person more will be the chances of hypertension. High blood pressure does not usually show signs and symptoms. Mostly the symptoms may only be visible when hypertension has reached advance stages. The first symptom of hypertension may appear as a pain at the back of the head and neck on waking in the morning which soon disappears. Some of the other common symptoms are dizziness, headaches, nosebleeds, palpitations, pain in the heart, frequent urination, nervous tension, fatigue, and difficulty in breathing etc. So it is essential to do periodic checkups for blood pressure.

There are several kinds of medications used to control blood pressure. Blood pressure can be effectively controlled by herbs, Acupuncture, Yoga and other alternative medicine. However it is advisable that before taking any medication you consult your doctor first as wrong medication worsen the condition.

There are two types of Hypertension

• Primary Hypertension or Essential Hypertension is the condition where there is no single clear cause for it but can be a combination of several things together. People prone to this condition normally are obese, alcoholics, have a family history for hypertension, under a lot of stress or those who consume a lot of salt.
• Secondary Hypertension is the condition when the condition is linked to a specific cause. Secondary Hypertension can be caused by an underlying condition and usually manifests itself suddenly due to some diseases or medications. This condition can be caused by diseases of the Kidney and Adrenal gland.

Diet and Exercise for Hypertension

Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of hypertension to a considerable extent. Persons with high blood pressure should always follow a well-balanced routine of a proper diet, exercise, and rest. Persons suffering from hypertension must get at least eight hours of good sleep. Diet is of primary importance. Foods like Meat and eggs can cause the blood pressure to rise and hence should be avoided. A healthy diet that includes the right kind of vitamins and minerals is a must. Include fruits and vegetables in diet. Also avoid Smoking, Alcohol and Caffeine. Restriction in dietary sodium intake can also reduce the incidence of hypertension. Food that is rich in fats like margarine, vegetable oils, butter, ice cream, whole milk, pastries, cakes, snack foods, sausage, fried foods, cookies, bacon, salami etc should be avoided. Eat foods rich in Folic acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E as it plays an important role in controlling high blood pressure. Consume Onions and Garlic generously. Regular Exercise is also a must. Yoga is said to be highly effective in controlling this condition too. Sukhasana, Halasana, Paschimothasana, Siddhasana, Padmasana, Virasana, Pavanamuktasana etc are some good Yogic exercises to be done to get relief from this condition. A Juice Therapy Remedy for Hypertension can be a Fruit Shake made of 1 Cup of Strawberries, 1 Banana, ½ an Apple, ¼ Musk Melon or Cantaloupe. This juice is a good source for Vitamin C and Potassium which is helpful in lowering Blood Pressure. A daily Consumption of Raw vegetable juice like carrot and spinach juices separately or in combination 2-3 times is beneficial in treating high blood pressure. Apart from this a patient with Hypertension must avoid stress, overstrain, worries, anger etc and should maintain a calm and cheerful attitude.