Causes, Symptoms and Remedy for High Blood Pressure

                                                           Causes, Symptoms and Remedy for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common condition that affects the body's arteries and raises your chances of having both heart attack and stroke. It's also called hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high. The heart has to work harder to pump blood. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

Causes

• Overweight
• Too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables
• Lack of  exercise
• Too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks)
• Smoke
• Lack of sleep or disturbed sleep

Symptoms

Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. You can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms.

A few people with high blood pressure may have:

• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds

However, these symptoms aren't specific. They usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.

Remedy:

 Regular Physical Activity Helps Improve Health

It’s no secret that regular physical activity helps to keep you in good health. Not only does exercise help control high blood pressure, it also helps you manage your weight, strengthen your heart and lower your stress level.

Eat Less Salt

Most people eat too much salt without realizing it. The American Heart Association estimates that the average American eats about 3,400 mg of sodium a day. However, the recommended daily intake is 2,300 mg, with an ideal limit of less than 1,500 mg per day, especially for those with high blood pressure.

Add More Potassium to Your Diet to Reduce High Blood Pressure

Not only does potassium help regulate heart rate, it can also reduce the effects of sodium in the body.

“Potassium helps your body get rid of sodium and also eases tension in your blood vessel walls, both of which help to further lower blood pressure,” says Dr. Craft

Limit Your Alcohol Consumption

Some research shows that drinking alcohol in moderation can benefit your heart. However, too much alcohol consumed at one time can cause a sudden spike in your blood pressure.

Reduce Your Stress to Lower Your Blood Pressure

We all have stress in our day-to-day lives—a flat tire in the middle of rush hour, a looming deadline at work—that can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure. In most cases, once the stressful situation is resolved, your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.

 Source: mayoclinic.org, pennmedicine.org and nhs.uk