High blood pressure or hypertension also known as the silent killer is a major dilemma in America’s fast-paced, high pressure world. Blood pressure is the force of the flowing blood against the walls of the arteries. It is measured in two numbers. The first number is systolic pressure which illustrates the pressure created when the heart contracts and pumps the blood through the artery. The second number is diastolic pressure, which reflects the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest. If your systolic pressure is equal 140 mmhg, and/or your diastolic pressure is equal 90 mmhg on three distinct occasions while seated, a clear-cut diagnosis can be made.
Origins of High Blood Pressure
Although behavior patterns and stress play an key role, hypertension is most closely related to food consumption. Other key elements are:
- Obesity
- Lifestyle factors such as coffee consumption, alcohol intake, too much salt use, and not enough aerobic exercise
- Cigarette smoking is a causal factor in hypertension. Smoking is also positively associated with greater sugar, alcohol and caffeine use. Nicotine stimulates secretion of adrenaline.
- If you experience some of the following signs you should see your general practitioner to have your blood pressure monitored: headache, fatigue, confusion, vomiting, excessive perspiration, muscle tremors, chest pain, ear ringing.
How Can You Prevent High Blood Pressure?
Everyone – regardless of race, age, sex, or heredity – can help limit their likelihood of developing high blood pressure. Here’s how:
- Maintain a healthy weight, lose weight if you are overweight
- Exercise more
- Choose lower salt and sodium foods, reduce consumption of red meat, eat more fruits and vegetables
- If you drink alcoholic beverages, drink in moderation. give up smoking it increases your chance of heart attack and stroke
These guidelines are also recommended for treating high blood pressure, although medicine is often added as part of the treatment. It is far better to keep your blood pressure from becoming high in the first place
Teresa Zeigler, L.Ac. is a Chicago Healers Practitioner and Certified Chicago Acupunture and Chinese Herbalist.
