Reducing High Blood Pressure without Drugs

Non-pharmacological blood pressure reduction is the treatment of blood pressure without the use of drugs.

It involves making simple lifestyle changes more often than not diet and exercise and usually to control excess weight

This natural method of reducing blood pressure is the preferred treatment as it means you may end up with a normal blood pressure reading without having to resort to treatment by drugs.

Salt intake is something that should be monitored and reduced as nowadays most people's salt intake is greater than it should be.

Getting used to eating food that contains less salt might be difficult at first but if you consistently stick to your lower salt intake, over time, you should find that you actually quite like your food with less salt. Reducing salt intake can be achieved by never adding any salt to your cooking or to the food when it is at the table. If you can't bear to eat your food without any salt, don't salt whilst cooking and eating. (Use one or the other).

Another way of reducing salt intake is to use a salt substitute. There are several available on the market. They contain less sodium chloride and are more potassium-rich. Sea salt, rock salt and natural salt are still sodium chloride so are not salt substitutes.

Losing weight is another natural way of reducing high blood pressure. Research studies have shown there is a clear link between taking more exercise and a reduction in blood pressure. Not only that, but taking more exercise is also a key factor in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Exercise, such as aerobic exercise, that makes a physical demand on the heart, strengthens the heart and helps reduce major known risk factors for coronary heart disease. It also lowers blood pressure, as well as lowering blood fat levels which helps prevent thrombosis.

Studies show moderate alcohol consumption can actually lower blood pressure. Generally speaking, the more you drink the higher your blood pressure will be although at this moment in time it is not clear why this should be the case.

Alcoholics or heavy drinkers are highly likely to have raised blood pressure and may be more prone to developing strokes. It has been proved that when alcoholics stop drinking, their blood pressure is usually reduced.

High Blood Pressure (The Silent Killer)

High blood pressure is often thought of as a silent killer because it can pave the way for heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure without any warning signs. People walk around and live their lives and don't realise they are harbouring something that is liable to either kill or physically disable them at any minute.

It is a worrying statement that death from cardiovascular disease is increasing every year in developed countries and growing numbers of men and women under the age of 40 are affected by high blood pressure. This now also affects children,

Many studies have shown that weight gain is related to a significant rise in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. One of the reasons why this is so, is that fat requires an adequate supply of blood and each and every pound of extra fat within the body increases the total length of the small blood vessels by around one mile.

Luckily, the loss of extra weight can result in a significant reduction in both high blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension and the likelihood of it developing in overweight people who have a normal blood pressure.

Salt intake is another factor which should be closely monitored. Research into salt intake and hypertension has shown that moderate and severe hypertension seem to get better if the patient is on a salt-restricted diet. The effects of this measure on mild hypertension are inconclusive, however health care professionals still insist it is better to be safe than sorry, and salt should either be reduced or excluded from the diet altogether.

In the interests of safety, therefore, it is advisable to reduce salt intake. This can be achieved in two ways:

a) by using a potassium rich substitute
b) not adding any more salt to food.

Exercise is another factor.

Nowadays so many of us live such sedentary lifestyles, that we rarely get anywhere near the exercise we need. Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous and you don't have to join the gym.

Going for a brisk walk three times a week for thirty minutes improves the metabolism and helps reduce both excess weight and blood pressure.

Measuring Blood Pressure

Measuring blood pressure is a very common medical test that is carried out by doctors, nurses or any other competent person.

Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure, If someone has high blood pressure they are referred to by doctors as 'hypertensive'.

A person's blood pressure level can have many health implications and the global medical community is heavily involved in the research and treatment of high and low blood pressure.

To understand exactly what blood pressure is, you have to remember that the heart is a pump whose main aim is to force blood through the many miles of piping of our blood vessels. And if we think about how pumps work (though generating pressure), then it's easy to see there is a lot of work involved.

If you have too much pressure in your arteries, it could put a strain on the piping (blood vessels) as well as putting a strain on the pump (heart) itself. This may result in the blood vessels bursting or the heart failing under the strain. This is a rough analogy to illustrate the effects of high blood pressure.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure is a very common condition and the older you get, the more likely you are to develop it.

Of course, this does depend on certain related factors such as diet, hereditary factors, and your ethnic background, also on whether you are overweight or have diabetes or any other medical condition.

On a more positive note, however, hypertension can be easily diagnosed. Measuring blood pressure is a very simple, quick and painless procedure. Further, once you have been diagnosed, you might not need treatment - because all that may be required to lower your blood pressure is a change of lifestyle (watching what you eat, watching your weight and doing more exercise).

Drugs to treat high blood pressure are often called 'anti-hypertensive's'.

If you do need drugs to remedy high blood pressure, there are a number of very effective drugs available. These are nearly all prescribed by your doctor, and should be carefully monitored for any adverse effects or reactions.

If you do suffer any unpleasant side effects from your anti hypertensive drugs, its important you tell your doctor rather than just putting up with it as he may be able to either reduce your dose, or try you on another medication which is more suited to you.

Malignant Hypertension

Malignant hypertension is a severe emergency which is characterised by a severe rise in the blood pressure which cannot then be lowered. It is diagnosed by the presence of advanced retinopathy in the presence of a diastolic blood pressure of over 120 mm Hg.

Malignant hypertension is more prevalent in African type people and also more common in smokers. It affects about 1% of those people already suffering with high blood pressure. It is also known to occur in younger people (even children), and also in pregnancy.

In malignant hypertension, there is usually a characteristic rush or increase in the blood pressure often for no apparent reason. Because it is very difficult to reduce a malignant blood pressure, it can and will cause the vital organs of the body irreparable harm. This can include the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys and blood vessels. (They are all put under tremendous pressure).
Those suffering from malignant hypertension may also complain of

• Confusional periods,
• Decreased urinary output
• Headaches,
• Vomiting
• Abnormal sensations to the arms, legs and other areas.
• Some visual disturbances.
• Change in their mental state
• Restlessness and anxiety
• Decreased alertness and ability to think and concentrate
• Extreme fatigue
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath and cough

The prognosis of people suffering from malignant hypertension can be bleak, as the damage caused to the body is often life threatening especially to older people suffering from malignant hypertension.

Any treatment given to a person suffering with malignant hypertension, should be given carefully as a sudden decrease in the blood pressure from very high levels can be just as dangerous as a blood pressure kept at a consistently high level. Malignant blood pressure should be decreased (if possible) gradually over a period of at least a week with very carefully prescribed anti hypertensive drugs. Complete bed rest is also often prescribed to ensure complete rest is taken.

If it is treated promptly, malignant hypertension can be controlled without any further complications. However the person suffering with malignant hypertension should be monitored very carefully.

Treatment of High Blood Pressure

At one time the treatment of high blood pressure (Hypertension), followed a very rigid approach. Nowadays doctors are much more relaxed about the way they approach the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure in their patients, preferring a much more patient centred approach.

It is recognised that those people who have pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular damage, kidney disease or stroke present with their own set of individual problems which all need treating on an individual basis; therefore it’s important that any medical or drug treatment is carefully tailored around them.

The first treatment of choice for those suffering with high blood pressure is usually a lifestyle change. For those who are overweight, smoke, lead very stressful lives or don’t exercise, sometimes this is the only wake up call they need. Once they make the lifestyle modifications required, they will often find their blood pressure will lower itself too a more normal limit.

As long as they keep these lifestyle changes, there shouldn’t really be any reason why they need to worry about their blood pressure later though of course it should be carefully monitored on a regular basis.

Some medications used to treat high blood pressure include

• Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and angiotensin receptor blockers
• Beta-blockers
• Diuretics
• Calcium channel blockers (CCBs)
• Alpha-blockers
• Clonidine
• Minoxidil
  

Unfortunately it’s often found that one drug which treats a particular disease, has an adverse effect on another drug treating a different medical problem, so getting the balance right when prescribing medication to those suffering a variety of different illnesses can be difficult.

Clinical trials can prove useful for some people who find the drug regime they have been on is unsuitable. Many doctors will ask specific patients who they are having difficulty treating with conventional drugs, if they will participate in clinical trials for new drugs.

These drugs are not available to the general public (sometimes not for a year or so), and the temptation to try a new treatment can be an irresistible lure, especially to someone who is not responding to the treatment they have been given.

There have been some very satisfactory outcomes for those who have agreed to participate in clinical trials.

Causes Of Hypertension

There is little doubt that there are probably thousands of people walking the streets today who have a dangerously high blood pressure, yet they are completely unaware of it.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure leads to many different medical problems such as

• Stroke
• Coronary Disease
• Kidney disease

Different factors for causing high blood pressure include

• Excess alcohol
• Excess salt
• Excess sodium
• Stress (Up to a point)

The problem with high blood pressure or hypertension to give it it’s proper name is that very often people are unaware they are suffering from it until they start suffering the side effects. This is one of the reasons why it is called the “silent killer”

There is little doubt that salt intake has a direct effect on blood pressure. Both this and the ingestion of dietary potassium have been found to have adverse effects on a person’s health.

Obesity is another major problem. Overweight people are more liable to have a higher blood pressure than their slim counterpart. The heart and other vital organs have to work harder which leads to added strain.

Alcohol also plays a direct part in hypertension. It has been found in several studies, that the higher the alcohol consumption, the higher the blood pressure. However similar studies have also shown that moderate drinkers appear to have a lower blood pressure than non drinkers. This probably bears out the old assumption a little of what you fancy does you good!

The only true way of ascertaining whether you have high blood pressure or not is by having it checked by a competent person. This is a painless procedure, and every adult should have their blood pressure taken at least on an annual basis if not more often.

The contraceptive pill can cause amongst other things, the blood pressure to rise so it is important that all women no matter how young they are have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis.

Though symptoms of hypertension or high blood pressure are not common, some people can complain of headaches, blurred vision light headedness and dizziness.

Exercise and Blood Pressure

Regular aerobic exercise is important to the health and wellbeing of everyone.

However many people make the mistake of assuming huge workouts are the best form of exercise, when in actual fact moderate exercise such as brisk walking or swimming is one of the better forms of exercise.

Before undertaking any form of exercise, especially if you haven’t exercised for long periods of time or you have medical problems, you should always consult your doctor to ensure he is happy to continue with your exercise regime. He might even want to suggest you change some of your lifestyle habits such as your diet or drugs etc.

Exercise is important when discussing raised blood pressure. The blood pressure can rise sharply during physical activity, although some studies show those people who undertake regular exercise are fitter and healthier plus their blood pressure is usually much lower. However this could also be due to the fact they eat a healthier diet, drink in moderation, and either don’t smoke or smoke very little.

More recent studies have shown that vigorous exercise could actually prove to be harmful and should be avoided unless tolerance to the exercise has been built up over a period of time.

Different types of exercise obviously depend on your fitness levels, but cycling, walking, swimming, are good exercises to attempt to start off with. They shouldn’t cause problems with your blood pressure.

It’s important to slowly build your fitness levels up over a period of time. Many people have found themselves in the casualty department of their local hospital because they threw themselves into a fitness regime they were not ready to undertake. For instance if you decide to start walking, build it up nice and slow. Start off three times a week for fifteen minutes at a time and then gradually increase your pace, distance and sessions until you are doing a comfortable thirty minutes per session three times a week.

If you decide to join the gym, ensure you’re sensible. You must have a proper workout planned for you by a qualified fitness coach who will take all your medical history etc into account. If you decide to do it alone, your just asking for your health to be compromised.

Blood Pressure

There are no hard and fast figures which represent a normal blood pressure. And very often doctors and other experts cannot even decide between them what an ideal blood pressure range is for an adult.

However it is usually agreed that somewhere between 110/70 and 125/80 is considered to be an average blood pressure for a grown person, though someone with naturally low blood pressure may be closer to a range of 100/60

A blood pressure of 140/90 is considered to be high, though as a person gets older, this falls into the more normal range for people.

Blood doesn’t circulate in an even stream around the body, but travels in a constant series of spurts. Therefore the pressure peaks in the blood vessels just after a heart beat and then ebbs until the next one. This is a continuous process.

The two blood pressure figures represent the pressures when the forces are at their peak and at their lowest ebb. The stronger the arteries are, the more they resist the force of the blood and the lower the blood pressure.

As a person gets older, and the elasticity of their arteries weakens, the figures tend to rise. However the lower figure should still be under 90 until that person at least reaches their sixties.

Many studies looking at blood pressure in both black and white people have found there is a higher prevalence of hypertension (High blood pressure) in black people than there is in white. This has led to further research in determining whether this is racially determined or just based on socioeconomic and dietary factors.

Some people suffering high blood pressure may find they just can’t pinpoint a cause for their problem. They may be fit, have a very healthy lifestyle yet their blood pressure remains consistently high for no apparent reason. This is called Primary or essential high blood pressure. However if the raised blood pressure is due to an underlying medical problem, it is known as Secondary High Blood Pressure.

Nearly one in four people in the Western world have high blood pressure. Many people don’t appreciate it is a dangerous condition that can lead to a heart attack kidney failure or stroke if it is left untreated. Yet there are thousands of people unaware they have high blood pressure who are walking around with a lethal time bomb ticking away inside them.

Blood Pressure and Anxiety

There are many variables to consider when assessing blood pressure in people from moment to moment and these can include

• Emotion
• Exercise
• Respiration
• Heavy meal
• Smoking
• Alcohol intake
• Temperature
• Pain
• Bladder problems
• Circadian rhythms
• Age
• Gender
• Race

When having their blood pressure taken, the person should be relaxed and if possible sat in a quiet room with the temperature set at a comfortable degree. If possible the person should have had a period of relaxation before their blood pressure is taken. If these optimum conditions cannot be maintained, it should be realised if the blood pressure is raised that the conditions in which it was taken were not ideal.

Anxiety can raise the blood pressure by as much as 30mm Hg. The fight or flight automatic response to danger is manifested in a raised blood pressure, so if the person is anxious etc, it will then be reflected in their blood pressure being raised.

Lots of reassurance for the individual having their blood pressure checked is often needed, and the person checking their blood pressure should ensure they give that individual the assurance they need that they are very capable.

Once the person becomes accustomed to their surroundings, the person checking their blood pressure and their surroundings, then their blood pressure should subside to a more normal limit. It has been noted that a person’s blood pressure is always higher when measured by a doctor and to a lesser degree by nurses. This is known as “white coat syndrome”

When checking someone’s blood pressure, it is always wise to monitor their respirations, and pulse rate. If their respirations or pulse rate are above a “normal” rate for that person, then they should be left to rest and their resting pulse rate rechecked again about fifteen minutes later. If it is within normal limits then the blood pressure can be taken.

Many people are anxious to learn more about high blood pressure, and if full explanations are given then this often helps to alleviate their anxiety over their medical problem.

Low Blood Pressure: Cause, Symptoms and Treatment

Low blood pressure is a condition where a person's blood pressure is much lower than usual. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness lightheadedness or even collapse. When the blood pressure is too low, this means there is not enough blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs of the body.

It’s actually quite difficult to judge a “normal” blood pressure, because something that is normal for one person may well be “abnormal” for another. Therefore it is important that if there is a suspicion someone’s blood pressure may be causing them a problem it is investigated very carefully as even small changes in their blood pressure may cause them adverse medical problems

A classic text book blood pressure reading is normally about 120/80 mmHg. If you repeatedly feel faint and light headed during the day, it’s probably a good idea to check with your doctor as to whether you are suffering with low blood pressure or not.

For some people, low blood pressure can leave them feeling light headed, sluggish or headachy. Yet other people can walk around with a blood pressure so low they should be flat out, however they don’t experience any symptoms whatsoever. They may only discover they have a low blood pressure when their blood pressure is checked for another reason.

You should also see your doctor if you lose consciousness when you stand, or if you feel repeatedly weak, light headed or constantly tired. Low blood pressure can be a sign in younger people of chronic fatigue syndrome. In older people it can be an indication of serious problems such as heart disease.

Women in their 40’s or younger, can find their blood pressure may drop below 90/60 mmHg during pregnancy, crash dieting or even during the hot weather. So it’s important that if they know they are prone to low blood pressure, they have it checked on a regular basis.

If a person is taking high blood pressure medication, it can sometimes cause the blood pressure to drop rapidly which causes the same type of problems. Therefore those taking this type of medication should choose the time of day they take their medication very carefully to ensure the effects are kept to a minimum.

High Blood Pressure and Pre-eclampsia in Pregnancy

High blood pressure can be serious as it can cause adverse affects to most of the organs in the body if left untreated.

Even if you’ve never been told you have high blood pressure, it’s always a good idea to have it checked at least once a year. Early detection of high blood pressure and its subsequent control is the key to preventing damage and untoward effects on organs such as the heart and kidneys. The kidneys play an important part in the control of blood pressure regulation.

If you are considering becoming pregnant it is also a good idea to have your blood pressure checked. It gives a good baseline to work with when you do become pregnant and there are any changes. Blood pressure usually reduces slightly in pregnancy so any rise, gives cause for concern.

Any rise in blood pressure in pregnancy can be an indication of pre-eclampsia which is a serious life threatening problem which needs immediate medical attention. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is undesirable as this also predisposes to high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia is a medical condition that can manifest after the 20th week of pregnancy. If high blood pressure and protein in the mother’s urine sample is observed at the same time, it can cause great concern to the midwives and obstetricians caring for the mother and foetus.

Pre-eclampsia affects the placenta as well as the mother's vital organs and brain, and if it is left for long enough can cause seizures which can ultimately lead to death.

Those women who are predisposed to high blood pressure which could ultimately lead to pre-eclampsia include

• Women suffering with high blood pressure before they became pregnant
• Overweight or obese women
• Women who become pregnant over the age of 40
• Women who have a previous history of diabetes, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus
• Women who have suffered high blood pressure or pr-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy
  

It is thought that women, who seem pre-disposed to high blood pressure whilst pregnant, could become very strong candidates for developing high blood pressure related diseases when they are older or in middle age.