How to Treat High Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of
arteries. Blood pressure is analyzed in two terms as systolic
pressure and diastolic pressure. A blood pressure measurement of
120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is expressed verbally as
"120 over 80." Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Blood
pressure more than this 120/80 mm is termed as high blood
pressure. High blood pressure is common. Nearly 65 million
Americans are getting treated for this condition. African
Americans are more prone to high BP. Sometimes overweight, those
with family history of high blood pressure, and those with
pre-hypertension predisposes to High blood pressure.
The great arteries of the body behave somewhat like the balloon.
They are stretched when the heart contracts, and by 'springing
back' after the heartbeat, they cause the blood to remain under
pressure. The blood is the only medium, which carries oxygen and
all other nutrients to all parts of the body. Hence the steady
flow of blood is imperative for all functions of the cell and
its survival.
Regardless of race, age, or gender, anyone can develop high
blood pressure. It is estimated that one in every four American
adults has high blood pressure. Once high blood pressure
develops, it usually lasts a lifetime. You can prevent and
control high blood pressure by taking action. The causes of high
blood pressure vary. Causes may include narrowing of the
arteries, a greater than normal volume of blood, or the heart
beating faster or more forcefully than it should. Any of these
conditions will cause increased pressure against the artery
walls.
Excess weight is a large factor in high blood pressure. Though
many people who are not obese suffer from the condition, it's
three times more likely that those who are overweight will
develop the condition. Obesity starts at 20% above the ideal
weight for your height and bone structure. However, sometimes a
small weight loss of five to ten pounds will reduce blood
pressure to within the normal range. If you have high blood
pressure and are overweight, try to get as close to your
recommended body weight as possible.
The key to lowering blood pressure by walking is to walk
briskly, swinging your arms. Start by walking a quarter mile and
build up the length of the walks to a mile. You will be
surprised at how much your blood pressure lowers after a regular
routine of walking daily for two weeks to a month. The reason
that exercise reduces high blood pressure is that it opens blood
vessels and that makes the blood pressure come down. Even though
blood pressure goes up during exercise, it drops when the
exercise ends. Then when it goes back up, it doesn't reach such
a high level.
Another important measure for you health is to not smoke: While
cigarette smoking is not directly related to high blood
pressure, it increases you risk of heart attack and stroke. As
your body weight increases, your blood pressure rises. In fact,
being overweight can make you two to six times more likely to
develop high blood pressure than if you are at your desirable
weight. Keeping your weight in the desirable range is not only
important to prevent high blood pressure but also for your
overall health and well-being.
Visit high blood pressure prevention or how to reduce high blood pressure for more
information regarding controling your blood pressure.