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.
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. 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.
Some 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 table spoons 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 .
· 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.
· Reduce stress.
· 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.
