Hypertension, most commonly referred to as "high blood pressure", HTN or HPN, is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is chronically elevated. It was previously referred to as arterial hypertension, but in current usage, the word "hypertension" without a qualifier normally refers to arterial hypertension.
2010-01-31

Connection Between Potassium Deficiency and High Blood Pressure

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Most people know that high sodium contributes to high blood pressure (hypertension), but did you know that low potassium can also contribute to high pressure? Potassium blunts the effects of sodium and helps the body to normalize blood pressure.

"Scientists began studying the effects of potassium on high pressure as early as 1928. Now a major study of 300 nurses shows that potassium can lower your pressure even if it's in the normal range. Good sources of potassium are dried apricots, avocados, dried figs, acorn squash, baked potatoes, kidney beans, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, and bananas. You can also buy potassium supplements. If you're taking a diuretic, your body is getting rid of potassium along with fluid." Frank K. Wood says "When it comes to lowering blood pressure, potassium packs a powerful punch," in Natural Cures and Gentle Medicines That Work Better Than Dangerous Drugs or Risky Surgery.

"Low potassium is a major cause of cardiac arrhythmia; diuretics for the treatment of high pressure or congestive heart failure may interfere with potassium absorption and excretion. Although potassium supplementation is usually not necessary, individuals on diuretics or laxatives or who have excessive diarrhea may require extra potassium." Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, MD, in A Cardiologist's Prescription for Optimum Health explains "Since potassium is necessary to the healthy functioning of nerves, cells, and membranes, it is an important electrolyte to monitor,"

In the New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs, Nicola Reavley also points out the important role of potassium in controlling high blood pressure: "Many population studies have found links between low potassium intakes and an increased risk of high pressure and death from stroke. Increasing the amount of potassium-rich foods in the diet can lead to a reduction in high blood pressure. The ratio of sodium to potassium in the diet appears to play an important role in the development of high blood pressure. The typical Western diet is low in potassium relative to sodium."

The best way to get more potassium in your diet is to eat more potassium-rich foods such as apples, apricots, bananas, broccoli, carrots, lima beans, oranges, potatoes, prunes, spinach, squash, and watermelon.

It is always better to avoid processed food that are rich in sodium while eating fruits and vegetables. It seems foods that contain high potassium is suppose to be vegetables and fruits. A large amount of sodium can be found in a can of soup. It is always advised to read food labels.

Blood pressure can be lowered naturally by eating more fruits and vegetables and less processed food. Increasing the intake of fiber and reducing the food based on fat and cholesterol will also lower your pressure.

People who have high pressure should follow a regular exercise routine. Alternatively you can start a simple exercise program in your home. You need not to hit gym. This will actually lower pressure.



Autor: Christian Goodman

Blue Heron Health News is a well known publishing company in the field of natural health. Their natural health publications include a detailed note to naturally lower blood pressure.


Added: January 31, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-29

High Blood Pressure and Natural Remedies - Alternatives to Control Your Hypertension

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Because of the horrible side effects of conventional prescription medications for high blood pressure, many people are looking into alternatives to help control their hypertension. The dangerous risks associated with prescription medication have driven more people to look for natural remedies whether to complement their medications or provide other health effects to better their conditions.

If you want to control or cure your hypertension, the first important thing to understand is to consult your physician. Some of natural remedies will be approved by them, but the other remedies will not.

Make it sure to discuss the possible effects of the remedy with your doctor. Ask him why he rejected some remedies for you as well. Let him explain the dangers of some natural remedies if combined with your conventional medications. You'll be surprised that some natural supplements out there can actually be fatal with the wrong combination with prescription medications.

Another thing to bear in mind is to never ever fully replace your prescription medication with the natural alternative. These alternatives should be rather taken as a complement to your traditional drugs which has already consistent results with your high blood pressure. If you are taking medications for your hypertension, discontinuing it in favor of the remedy can have unpredictable results and can be dangerous.

The best advice when choosing the right natural remedies is to go with your doctor recommends. Always avoid herbal treatments which are approved by the FDA. Never confine yourself with natural herbal supplements. Natural remedies can be a type of organic diet, yoga and breathing exercises, or a detoxification therapy. It is also advisable to leave your unhealthy habits like smoking and alcohol consumption. These are natural remedies in themselves as well. Furthermore, these steps are the most natural moves you can make to control your hypertension.



Autor: Paul De Vizard

Paul De Vizard has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in hypertension, diet, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out his latest website Home Gas Heaters which reviews and lists Information on all types of Equipment like the popular Ventless Gas Heaters.


Added: January 29, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-28

Proven Steps to Help Lower High Blood Pressure - Diet and Exercise Tips For Hypertension

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Here are proven effective steps to control hypertension. These steps are basically related to your diet and exercise that are very helpful to lower high blood pressure.

The first thing that even doctors recommend is to cut specific foods out of your diet. These foods include: fried foods, salt, junk foods, sugar, and other refined foods. Furthermore, dairy products and caffeine-rich beverages should also be avoided.

Prefer fresh, raw foods in your diet like fruits and vegetables. These foods are especially helpful to lower blood pressure: garlic, onions, whole grains, various nuts and seeds, and all types of fruits except avocado. Complement this diet by drinking 8 glasses of water every day.

You also need a diet which is rich in potassium but low in sodium. Your diet should also include healthy fats like omega-3 for a healthy heart. Include cold water fishes and fish oil supplements.

In relation to supplements, your body requires additional vitamins and other important nutrients. Important nutrients that are vital for controlling hypertension are: Coenzyme Q10, Omega-3, Vitamins C and E, Calcium, Potassium, and Flaxseed. Consult your doctor on how much of these vitamins and supplements are required every day. Ask for excellent sources that your doctor can recommend.

With respect to exercises, hypertensive individuals cannot undertake strenuous workouts. Nevertheless, take measures to control your stress levels with meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. Massages are also very good for your blood pressure while reducing stress. The good thing about these exercises is that these do not interfere with your current treatment.

In conclusion, there are proven steps to help lower blood pressure. Although your prescription medications are the main help to control your hypertension, these medicines are not your sole lifeline. You must make certain lifestyle changes especially to your diet and exercise plans. If you follow these steps above, consult your doctor first. Then, implement it consistently every day after the doctor's approval and you will surely win the war against hypertension.



Autor: Paul De Vizard

Paul De Vizard has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in hypertension, diet, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out his latest website Gas Heaters for the Home which reviews and lists Information on all types of Equipment like the popular Qmark Heaters.


Added: January 28, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-26

Herbs For Blood Pressure - 5 Power Herbs to Kill Your High Blood Pressure

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More and more people are turning to herbs to control their blood pressure. It should come as no surprise because the main alternative is a combination of pharmaceutical drugs with intolerable side effects. Natural herbs can help you to lower your blood pressure but without these side effects.

Hawthorne Berry

This unique berry works in two ways. First of all it helps to dilate the blood vessels and therefore directly lower your bp. Secondly, it also helps to dislodge the build-up of plaque on the arterial walls - although this has only a limited effect on your b.p., it will help to lower the risk of a cardiac arrest or stroke which is the same aim of reducing your b.p. too.

Dandelion

This is a natural diuretic that will help your body to rid itself of excess sodium. Because sodium would otherwise narrow your blood vessels and increase the pressure in them then eliminating it will have the reverse effect. Furthermore, you don't lose valuable potassium (a mineral which has the opposite effect to sodium) when doing this.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful cure-all. Although some people claim that it is a toxin, several studies have shown that it reduces build-up of arterial plaque and lowers the blood pressure. It is best taken in the raw form - I recommend garlic capsules as you can get the equivalent of a clove a day but minus the garlic breath! Also, check with your doctor first if you have any existing health problems as garlic thins the blood and may interfere with other drugs or aggravate other medical conditions.

Fish Oil

Numerous studies have shown that the DHA content in fish oil has a small effect on lowering elevated blood pressure levels.

Gingko Biloba

This is a Chinese herbal remedy that is well known for having numerous health properties. It is said that lowering of the b.p. is one of them although I have not yet seen this with my own eyes but you may wish to consider it for further investigation.

Herbs are a superior alternative to drugs and several can be taken in combination to delivery huge reductions in blood pressure. Combined with dietary changes and reducing the stress in your life, herbs are now seen to be much more potent that drugs and without the side effects.



Autor: Chris Cage

Discover an all-natural, easy, step-by-step program for easily lowering your blood pressure here: Blood Pressure Truth.


Added: January 26, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-25

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure - Know Some of the Signs That You Could Be Headed to an Early Grave

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The big problem with high BP is that symptoms rarely show in the early stages when blood pressure first becomes elevated. Symptoms normally only show up when blood pressure is so high that death could result within months. But the problem is that you could have a much lower BP but still be at a doubled or tripled risk of heart attack or stroke and not even know it - that's why doctors call this the "silent killer".

Extremely high blood pressure around the 180/120 mark will start to manifest symptoms such as breathlessness or headache, for example. The headache is just one sign of blood vessel damage. Similarly, when a person gets their eyes checked then the opthamologist will routinely take a look at the vast network of tiny blood vessels on your retina. These are some of the first to be damaged in someone with severely high BP.

As I mentioned, breathlessness is a common symptom but it is easily mistaken for something else. After all, you could be slightly asthmatic, overweight or simply have a poor aerobic fitness due to lack of exercise and present with exactly the same symptom. The headaches could also be explained by a number of minor illnesses and even doctors will rarely suspect high BP although they should do a quick check because it costs them nothing.

But overall, high blood pressure rarely presents with any symptoms at all. You could be doing serious damage to the blood vessel network throughout your body and in your organs over several years and be completely unaware of it. For example, did you know that many people who receive regular kidney dialysis are there because of years of untreated high blood pressure?

Never wait for symptoms of this disease. If you do then much irreversible damage has already been done. Check your BP regularly and get it back into line as soon as possible if you find that yours is too high. And if you are already presenting with what you think are the classic symptoms then see your doctor as you must begin treatment immediately.



Autor: Chris Cage

Discover a natural, drug-free way to lower your blood pressure safely here: Blood Pressure Truth.


Added: January 25, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-24

White Coat Syndrome and Hypertension

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I heard from a friend not long ago describing her spouse's predicament with pressure readings. When he takes the reading at home it is somewhere between normal and slightly elevated, but at the doctor's office it reads high. My friend wondered this way. By seeing the doctor her husband's pressure was raising. But her husband thought he was not very much nervous by seeing the doctor. But he did admit that he could been subconsciously affected. This kind of problem is called white coat syndrome Even though it shows normal at home. 10 to 20 percent of adult population is affected by this. In doctor's office or even in office settings a person's pressure may rise.

Blood pressure may differ when using a pressure cuff that is very small and that results in a high pressure read. At time the nurses and other medical professionals make take incorrect reading. The question to pose oneself is: Does this syndrome create a health risk? The answer is - yes. While the risk of an event is lower than with chronic high blood pressure, it's risk is higher than normal. The very important thing that everybody should know when is the pressure increasing and how long each time it tend to happens.

It is not an issue when the pressure increases only when visiting doctors clinic and only for a few minutes. But if a person experience this problem many times a day then it may lead to chronic high blood pressure. People sometimes just assume that they are suffering from White Coat syndrome when they in fact are not. In fact most of us would prefer to suffer from an annoying problem rather than dangerous health problem like chronic hypertension. To determine what condition you are in fact suffering from, I strongly recommend that you see your doctor. Regardless of the outcome, I believe my all natural High Blood Pressure program will help you. The success of this program has been amazing - it really works!



Autor: Christian Goodman

Christian Goodman is a very famous health researcher and author of several revolutionary natural methods to control blood pressure. One of his latest breakthroughs is his program to cure hypertension. You can learn more about Christian on his Natural Health Alternative Blog.


Added: January 24, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-22

Anti-Hypertensive Diet, 3 Essential Foods to Control Your High Blood Pressure

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According to the latest statistics, there are about 65 million Americans with hypertension or high blood pressure. Learn the three essential foods you need to include in your diet to control high blood pressure. This article on anti-hypertensive diet may save your heart and your life.

Maybe you are one of those 65 million with hypertension. Are you above 40? Are you experiencing sudden headaches? It is a known fact that many people are not aware they already have hypertension. This could potentially harm your heart and overall cardiovascular health. At age 40, have your blood pressure monitored regularly. Although younger individuals are not spared from hypertension, this is absolutely critical with people reaching the age of 40.

One of the main concerns with people having hypertension is the diet. Here are three essential foods you need to include in your anti-hypertensive diet.

The first in the list of essential foods is vegetables. Pay close attention to including garlic and onions. These vegetables are known for centuries to control hypertension. The healing properties of both garlic and onions are so amazing that it can strengthen your heart and regulate the blood pressure effectively. These spices can be great for your salad, soups, and salsa. You can also add them in your sour cream and pastas.

The second essential food is whole oats to maintain normal blood pressure. In addition, this group particularly controls the cholesterol and blood sugar levels due to its fiber content. Starting today, increase your intake of whole oats in replacement to all the processed and refined foods.

Lastly, you need to include Omega-3 fatty acids in your anti-hypertensive diet. Rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fishes like tuna, salmon, and halibut. These fatty acids lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels which are helpful in controlling hypertension.



Autor: Paul De Vizard

Paul DE Vizard has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in diet, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out his latest website GasHeatersfortheHome.com which reviews and lists Information on all types of Equipment like the popular Portable Electric Heater.


Added: January 22, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-20

Good News With Hypertension - Fruits in Your Ideal Hypertension Diet to Lower Blood Pressure

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Are you experiencing high blood pressure? The good news is that we can prevent high blood pressure or hypertension with just adding fruits to our diet. Fruits should be part of your ideal hypertension diet because it can lower blood pressure dramatically.

In maintaining your ideal hypertension diet, you need to increase the intake of fruits. Fruits are rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These 3 nutrients are helpful in significantly lowering your blood pressure. Great sources of these 3 nutrients are melons, bananas, and oranges. Consult your doctor for the proper servings per day. This is highly important if with diabetes.

Aside from the 3 nutrients mentioned, the increase intake of fruits will provide you with the necessary vitamin C. Studies have already revealed the potential of vitamin C, together with other antioxidant nutrients, to lower high blood pressure. In fact, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that high levels of vitamin C in the blood might help reduce the risk of stroke. Oranges, grapefruit, and berries are excellent sources.

Starting today, bear in mind that adjusting your diet to include more fruits is necessary to keep hypertension under control. This ideal hypertension diet with increased fruits intake will surely lower blood pressure. Moreover, it will lower the risk of heart disease and stroke as well. Other beneficial effects of fruits are prevention from some forms of cancer and a good way to lose weight or maintain a healthy body weight. It is also recommended to maintain regular exercise together with this ideal hypertension diet for best effects.

In summary, the answer to controlling high BP is healthy lifestyle based on the basic foods like fruits. You will save money from eating less outside and you'll be surprised how enjoyable fruits can be. Now, that is indeed good news.



Autor: Paul De Vizard

Paul DE Vizard has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in diet, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out his latest website Home Gas Heaters which reviews and lists Information on all types of Equipment like the popular Ventless Gas Heaters.


Added: January 21, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-19

High Blood Pressure Natural Home Remedies

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What is there to worry about high blood pressure? You might ask this common question as you feel perfectly fine. Experts call this the silent killer because it is just that. Most people go to see their doctor because of complications from having years of untreated high blood pressure. What are the damages this condition can cause? Over time, it will cause stroke, kidney failure, vision loss and harden your arteries, leading to heart disease.

There are natural remedies you can take to prevent this problem. List below are the top six that anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease should consider taking.

Garlic - Garlic, both raw and in a pill form lowers blood pressure. This is proven with many clinical studies. This herb also helps prevent heart disease as well.

Fish Oil - Fish oil prevents heart disease. Extensive clinical studies prove this. It does not lower blood pressure directly but works to keep the entire circulatory system and heart working at top notch.

Coenzyme Q10 - This vitamin-like substance is highly recommended for high blood pressure and heart disease prevention.

Olive Oil - The Mediterranean diet is known to lower heart disease. It is a diet rich in olive oil and studies prove its benefits.

Calcium and magnesium does more than give bone its strength. It helps with regulating blood pressure.

Stevia - This is a calorie-free sweetener used extensively Japan and is recently approved in the United State as a sweetener. It's used to lower blood pressure in some parts of the world.



Autor: Tom Chua

Full details and dosing information are provided for each of the above natural remedies in this comprehensive review on the treatment of high blood pressure.

You may visit his site at http://www.natural-remedies-review.com for unbiased and comprehensive reviews of natural remedies including the benefits, side effects and the dose to use for various health problems.

Tom Chua is a practicing pharmacist with 17 year of clinical experience in the community. His area of focus is natural remedies and vitamins and mineral supplement.


Added: January 19, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-17

An Overview on Resistant Hypertension

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High blood pressure that fails to respond to the treatment is known as resistant hypertension. It is described as the blood pressure that remains high even after the administration of the optimal routine that comprises of a diuretic. As it is tough to provide treatment for some cases of high blood pressure and might need a blend of several medicines before you get control over it. The high blood pressure cannot be resistant unless the medicine combination treatment fails.

The diagnosis takes place when the blood pressure remains high even after giving the treatment. The standard norms are: the blood pressure measurement technology should be correct and accurate, the pressure cuff must also be checked for its size and that the blood pressure must be properly recorded on two different times.

There are a lot of things that can cause this condition; proper medical study is needed to examine the possible causes. The three common causes for this hypertension are: the patient refuses to take the treatment, water retention and generally growth from the kidney failure. Also, it is vital to ensure that what really appears to be resistant hypertension is not really a white coat hypertension or pseudohypertension. A very ordinary cause and the toughest to treat, is known as disobedience of a patient. The patients do not adhere to the prescription, though it is not always that the patients are to be blamed for that matter. This actually can also mean that the patient is unable to handle the circumstance.

For instance, the patients sometimes face a situation where the suggested medicine is expensive, the medical stores are far away or that the doctor meetings are tough to keep. Usually, what happens is that the prescribed medicines have side effects like frequent headaches, stomach problems, and therefore make the patient stop taking the drugs, to avoid the side effects. When the patient suffers from a side effect the doctor generally changes the medicine. Though, situations like these need a lot of considerate thinking and analysis.

As the resistant hypertension generally is a result from a fundamental subject, the treatment must focus on fixing the crucial trouble. For example, the majority of the cases happen due to the disobedience of the patient, the doctor must sit with the patient and analyze the root problem of the disobedience and try to lessen it. In circumstances where the liquid of the body is not normal, because of the kidney ailment, steps like dialysis must be taken and ensured that the fluid retention does not take place. If it is happening due to the hormonal imbalance then the treatment should have a proper focus on fixing the hormonal imbalance.

If the doctor identifies the cause correctly and a proper diagnosis is done, this can be the first step to reducing resistant hypertension. A change in lifestyle like adopting yoga also helps greatly.



Autor: Mary Ponce

Visit http://www.treating-hypertension.com to understand more about the condition and learn details on the hypertension diet.


Added: January 18, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-16

Naturally Lower Blood Pressure - An Alternative to High Blood Pressure Medication

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Thousands of hypertension sufferers have proven that you can naturally lower bloodpressure quickly simply by modifying lifestyle. The American Heart Association endorses changes in lifestyle as a treatment for high blood pressure before resorting to medication.

Unlike blood pressure medication, natural remedies focus on the cause of hypertension not just masking the body's response to the condition. Natural remedies address diet, exercise and stress management and when followed carefully, can reduce your blood pressure reading by 20 points in as little as three weeks.

So how big a change in lifestyle is required? The good news is even if you only make small changes in lifestyle they will have a positive effect on your pressure. You can evolve into a natural cure; you don't have to do it all at once. It is important though, that you make changes in all three areas or you will lose the maximum benefit.

  • Diet is a huge part of any natural blood pressure cure and it is recommended that you follow the DASH diet as closely as you can. DASH is loaded with fresh foods that are packed with vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants and vasodilators. Fast food, fatty food and of course salt are to be avoided. Red meat isn't entirely out of the menu but there is a lot of poultry, cold water fish and lean white meat as well.

  • Exercise is essential. The idea is to get your heart rate elevated for at least 20 minutes a day to not only tone the heart muscle but flush out the blood vessels as well. If you're not in the best of shape today no worries. The objective is simply to elevate the heart rate and that can be accomplished by a brisk walk. Your pressure will actually go up during the exercise but will drop below where you started when you cool down. This is the fastest way to lower blood pressure.

  • Lowering stress through breathing exercises, meditation or simply listening to calming music is also very important. Your brain views stress as a threat to the body and dumps adrenaline and cortisol into the system which elevates pressure. If you can calm your brain down and turn off the "threat" switch, stress will no longer be a problem.
Using a natural remedy to cure your high blood pressure is by far a better solution than having to rely on expensive and dangerous medication. It's your body and it's time for you to take responsibility for living a healthier longer life.



Autor: Rachel Willson

Did you know you can naturally lower blood pressure and shave 20 points off your BP reading in just 3 weeks? I have to admit I was amazed when I found out how. You can get the answer to this question by visiting http://MyNaturalCures.info right now!


Added: January 16, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-14

Natural Blood Pressure Remedies That Actually Work Fast

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Are you looking for blood pressure natural remedies? Thousands of high blood pressure sufferers have turned away from dangerous and expensive medication and taken up healthier lifestyles to lower their pressure. Natural remedies focus on diet, exercise and managing stress in your life. There are no side effects except positive ones like losing weight and building a stronger immune system.

While a natural remedy is a whole body cure requiring changes in lifestyle, there are some quick ways to kick start you battle against hypertension. Here are a few fast ways to get results quickly.

Apple Cider Vinegar has absolutely amazing impact on your BP. Make sure you get raw ACV with the goo, or Mother, in the bottom of the bottle. Distilled apple cider vinegar will not work. Start out with three teaspoons a day just before your meal. Mix a teaspoon with about a half glass of water to prevent acidosis. After two or three days, increase the dose to three tablespoons. By the end of the week you will see a significant drop in BP.

Water is another great quick way to lower blood pressure. Hydration flushes out salt and softens the blood vessels allowing them to expand with the heartbeat and thereby lowering pressure. Drink half your body weight, expressed in ounces, each day. So if you weigh 170 pounds, drink 85 ounces of water or about 11 glasses a day.

Find the time to do 30 minutes of mild aerobic exercise each day. Brisk walking, biking or swimming laps will get your heart rate up and your blood pressure will come down. This is the fastest way to lower pressure but the effect only lasts about 22 hours so you have to do it daily.

A total natural remedy involves much more of course but these will get you started in the right direction. Reducing blood pressure naturally is far superior to taking drugs. It's your body and you need to take responsibility for living a longer healthier life.



Autor: Rachel Willson

Are you confused with all the information on a natural remedy for your high blood pressure? Wouldn't it be nice to know just what will and what won't help you? Now there is a step by step guide that you can use daily to lower your pressure and it's available at http://MyNaturalCures.info right now.


Added: January 14, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-13

What Role Do Hormones Play in Hypertension?

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Hormones are chemical substances which are produced in an organ (usually a gland) and are transported by the blood to another target organ where they excite their activities. Some of the hormones are transported through a duct to their target organs while others pass directly into the blood stream.

Hormones are produced in order to help perform certain specific function for the body, but when certain things go wrong with their production or their discharge process there could be problems. Some hormonal activities therefore have been known to contribute to the development of hypertension. Some of the hormones cause hypertension through their direct effect on blood vessels while others cause hypertension indirectly.

1. Pituitary hormone: The pituitary gland otherwise known as the master gland regulates the activities of other glands by producing hormones which act on these glands. One of such hormones is the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) which regulates the production of corticosteroids by the adrenal cortex. When there is a fault in the regulation process the corticosteroid could produce excess of its substances such as the mineralocorticocoids e.g. aldosterone which is known to retain sodium and subsequently fluid. Excessive retention of fluid by this hormone eventually leads to hypertension.

2. Thyroid hormone: The thyroid gland produces thyroxine which helps to regulate the body's metabolic processes. Over stimulation of the thyroid gland by the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which is produced by the anterior pituitary gland leads to excessive secretion of thyroxine. This eventually brings about hyperthyroidism; and one of the known effects of hyperthyroidism is hypertension.

3. Adrenal hormone: Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a major hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla. It exerts action similar to that of the sympathetic nervous system. It causes vasoconstriction of the peripheral blood vessels. When there is a problem with the kidneys the regulation of this hormone is altered thereby bringing about its excess production. This in the long run leads to hypertension.



Autor: Joseph Ezie Efoghor

Joseph Ezie Efoghor is a professional nurse with years of practical experience. He writes on variety of topics which you may find beneficial to you. For more on his write-ups visit http://bloodpressureandmore.blogspot.com


Added: January 13, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-11

Treating High Blood Pressure Naturally

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The Western lifestyle has change drastically over the past 20 to 50 years. We just don't exercise the way we should and our eating habits are terrible. It's no wonder that we have HBP and doctors are prescribing drugs that often cause side effects. Besides that, these drugs may not control high blood pressure that well in many cases

Always talk with your doctor before stopping or reducing your medication. That said; there are some natural things that you can do that could help alleviate your HBP. As mentioned, exercise and weight loss are important if you are out of shape. Some high blood pressure remedies include Acupuncture, sunlight, herbs and nutrition. You should try to get 15 minutes of sunlight daily without sunscreen. Just don't over do it. You don't want to get burned as that could lead to skin cancer. Using sunscreen can protect you but it also prevents you from absorbing vitamin D3 which is great to guard against HBP. Avoiding excess grains, sugars and processed food could improve your high blood pressure symptoms as well.

Garlic is an amazing food that has been shown to improve HBP. Allicin is an ingredient in garlic that helps with pulmonary hypertension Fresh garlic is preferred over any other forms. Eating garlic depends on you and your family's tolerance of its odor.

Hawthorne has been known for its heart health for years. It helps to dilate the blood vessels and delivers oxygen to the heart. A few vitamins that may help are vitamin C and magnesium.

Ginkgo Biloba supports the heart and is a good antioxidant. Passion flower is rich in flavonoids and is another provider of antioxidants. This all translates to a healthier heart for you. Guelder Rose Bark can help by relaxing muscles which will improve heart functions.

The "Good Fats" such as fish oil, krill oil and olive oil will be beneficial. Avoid the bad fats that are in most fast foods. So you can see that by using specific herbs and foods you have the power to improve your heart health. By adding a reasonable exercise program and diet you will reward yourself with an enjoyable and healthier life. Reducing High Blood Pressure is easier than you think. Remember to cut back on processed and junk foods and start eating real food again. It may take a while to see results so stick with it and the benefits will come.



Autor: Ross Lovegrove

For more information on remedies for high blood pressure visit our website.

Author: Ross Lovegrove - MD - GoHerbal Limited - US/EU Herbal Remedies Specialists.

UK/EU Suppliers of Native Remedies Products. FDA Registered for over 15 years. We have over 100 natural remedies for children, adults and seniors. The full range of Homeopathic Remedies and Herbal Remedies herbal are now available to the UK and Europe and worldwide.


Added: January 11, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-10

Depression, Anxiety and Hypertension Treatment

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Dream treatment is ideal for all types of mental illnesses and conditions, and will certainly help you overcome your depression, anxiety and hypertension once you learn how to decipher the hidden messages contained in your own dreams, giving you information about you and the world where you are.

Depression is always following you if you are too anxious and hypertensive, because you cannot find peace and satisfaction anywhere.

Your dreams will organize your thoughts and your daily life, showing you what is really important for your happiness.

Anxiety is part of your daily reactions when you are always afraid of failure and many other dangers. You'll learn how to feel confident and trust your capacities, besides learning what will happen in the future, so that you may correct what could have bad results.

You'll also learn how to be wise and forgive everyone's mistakes, without expecting too much from anyone.

The truth about the human psyche and the world where you live will give you notions that will calm you down, and you'll stop being a bomb ready to explode, becoming a sensible and sensitive human being, able to think and feel before acting, and able to discern the right solutions among all the possibilities and impossibilities of the external reality.

The dream language is made of scenes and images that give you information and many lessons about everything. Once you learn it, the confused images you see when you sleep will acquire meaning, and you'll be able to see what exists inside you and what determines your behavior. This way, you won't live dominated by your wild self, due to the interference of the anti-conscience (your primitive conscience) into the human side of your conscience.

You'll learn so many things about your personality and about the personality of all the people that you know, that you'll feel superior.

The truth is that you'll really be superior from the common human beings that live making mistakes and repeating them throughout their lives. The wise unconscious mind that produces your dreams will guide you, and show you how to transform your personality, so that you may be always balanced and never make any mistakes.

Your depression will give place to a good new disposition and courage, when you discover all your hidden capacities. You certainly have many talents that you have never used, because they belong to the primitive side of your conscience, since they never had the chance to be transformed and belong to the organized, and human side of your conscience.

The transformation of your personality will be your salvation from depression, anxiety, hypertension and all existent mental illnesses, since you'll learn how to face reality with courage, and how to always find the solutions you need.

Dream treatment according to the scientific method is the best treatment you could have, and entirely free of charge, since your doctor is the unconscious mind. You only have to learn the dream language (which I simplified very much translating dreams for 19 years) in order to enjoy all the benefits you can have with this superior knowledge.



Autor: Christina Sponias

Christina Sponias continued Carl Jung's research into the human psyche, discovering the cure for all mental illnesses, and simplifying the scientific method of dream interpretation that teaches you how to exactly translate the meaning of your dreams, so that you can find health, wisdom and happiness.

Learn more at: http://www.scientificdreaminterpretation.com
Click Here to download a Free Sample of the eBook Dream Interpretation as a Science (86 pages!).


Added: January 10, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-09

What is Healthy Blood Pressure? The Answer May Surprise You

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According to the medical establishment 120/80 represents healthy blood pressure. Of course nobody consistently has a blood pressure (BP) of 120/80. That would be like winning the lottery time after time. It's simply not realistic.

So what is healthy blood pressure in the real world? It's a range that hovers around 120/80 but don't get too fixed on those exact numbers. If you want to find out where you are in that range then learn to take your own BP at home. (Readings taken at doctor's office are often higher than normal due to our unconscious reaction to the place and people.)

First get to know your real BP, not just the occasional reading taken at the doctor's office. Take BP readings sitting down, with the cuff on you left arm, one inch above your elbow joint. Rest this arm on a table keeping the cuff approximately the same level as your heart. If your arm is too low it can result in a reading that is falsely high.

There are two numbers in a BP reading.

The higher one is the systolic which measures your BP after the heart contracts and blood is pushed through your arteries. The lower number is called the diastolic and measures your the pressure as your heart expands and draws blood into its chambers.

The healthy gap between the systolic and diastolic is approximately 40 points. In other words, systolic BP is usually around 40 points higher than diastolic pressure.

Looking at it another way, you could say that your pressure in your arteries fluctuates some 40 points back and forth 60 to 70 times a minute, (or 95,000 times a day). No worries - it's normal.

If you've been reading up on what is considered the best BP numbers you have probably comes across the figures 120/80. That's what is now considered healthy blood pressure. But it wasn't always this way.

Previously, healthy blood pressure numbers were calculated from the formula "100 systolic plus your age". This formula took into account that blood pressure tends to increase with age.

Indeed, it's a fact that as we age our arteries tend to narrow and harden pushing our BP up. (Mind you, it's not inevitable that our arteries narrow as we age. This process can be halted and even reversed.)

What the new formula of 120/80 for everyone has done is pushed millions of older people into the high blood pressure camp. Previously our high BP readings would have been regarded as the normal outcome of aging. Today it's regarded as a disease that needs treating.

The shift from '100 plus our age' to '120 for all' has had both good and bad effects on us 'old-timers'. But I'll get to that later.

For now let's talk about what the numbers mean to you and me.

120 systolic over 80 diastolic is an ideal. I don't recall ever have a reading of exactly 120/80. I've had readings 123/79 and 116/84 and so on. These are good healthy blood pressure reading as far as I'm concerned but you simply cant regulate your BP like you regulate the pressure in your car's tires.

On top of that, BP readings aren't exact. If you take two readings, one after the other, they will probably come out slightly different, although they should be within 5 or so points of each other if your monitor is working properly. It's the BP range it measures. Remember we're talking about a human body here, not a machine.

Also, BP isn't constant. It will goes up and down in a day. Your BP in bed after a peaceful nights rest may be considerably lower than your BP after working in the garden.

Judge your BP when at its lowest. How low does your BP go? - is the important piece of information you need to know.

For me the evening after relaxing with a soothing cup of chamomile tea is the best time to gauge my true state of my BP. That's when it reaches its natural equilibrium free from agitating factors that would give it a temporary rise and false reading.

Find the true measure of your blood pressure health by taking a reading when your relaxed, not agitated.

I accept 120/80 figure as an ideal of healthy blood pressure. But I don't think I've ever had that identical reading. Sometimes its higher, sometimes lower. But that need not be a worry because BP readings simply aren't that accurate.

So what are the numbers you should be concerned about? Ultimately that's up to you but my common sense approach goes like this:

If you are over the age of 40 and your BP is consistently over:

* 130/90 you should consider introducing some dietary changes to ensure it doesn't keep creeping up

* 140/100 you should seriously consider introducing lifestyle changes to bring it down.

* 160/120 time to saddle the horses and throw everything available at it. You can get you blood pressure back to a healthy range but it's going to take time and dedication.

(If you're under 40 years of age you could reduce the above figures by 10 points.)

The range of BP figures used above refer to when you are relaxed and your BP readings at its natural lowest. Remember, healthy blood pressure is a range between 115/75 to 130/90 with the reading taken when you are relaxed.



Autor: Simon Foster

Simon Foster was a sufferer of dangerously high blood pressure but has now achieved healthy levels through exercise and diet without the use of medications. His mission is to share this knowledge and techniques with fellow sufferers of acute hypertension.

blog: http://highbloodpressurebegone.com


Added: January 9, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-08

Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally Without Drugs

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Many people who suffer from hypertension can easily control their blood pressure with simple changes to their lifestyle. They may or may not realize that diet and exercise are two of the main factors when it comes to health. Too many people don't want to take responsibility for their health and want a simple solution. They want to be able to eat and drink to excess, not exercise, and pop a pill to solve all of their problems. But that isn't the way the human body was designed to work. We were meant to be active beings, eating healthy foods, and not being dependent on chemicals.

Blood pressure is a vital sign measurement that determines how strong the blood pressure is against your artery walls. The pressure is caused by the force of your heart pumping blood into the artery versus the resistance of the artery against it. When you see a blood pressure reading, there'll be one number on top that's bigger, and a smaller number below it. The upper number gives you the pressure of your heart pumping. The lower number represents the pressure of your heart relaxing between pumps. The normal range for the first number, the systolic pressure, is between 120 and 140. The normal range for the second number, diastolic pressure, ranges from 70 to 90. These numbers change throughout the day and also change depending on whether you are sitting or standing, so don't be too concerned if you get blood pressure readings slightly higher or lower than the numbers in the range.

To keep your blood pressure in check, follow this simple regimen for a month and see how much your blood pressure improves.

Exercise: You don't need to be a marathon runner or even do strenuous exercise. Just try to exercise for thirty minutes a day at least five days a week. This may simply be walking around your office building for 30 minutes over your lunch break. Or, if the weather is bad, go to your local mall and walk inside for half and hour. If you are not used to exercise, start slowly and work up to thirty minutes.

Diet: Experts now recommend the DASH diet. This is an acronym for "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension." The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy foods, and low in saturated and total fat. It also is low in cholesterol, high in dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and moderately high in protein. It includes 7-8 daily servings of grains and grain products, 4-5 servings of vegetable, 4-5 servings of fruits, 2-3 servings of low fat dairy foods, 2 or less servings of meat, fish, and poultry, and very small amounts of nuts, seeds, and legumes.



Autor: Dean Novosat

Dean Novosat writes for http://www.dealingwithhypertension.com a site about health and wellness and how to control Hypertension.


Added: January 8, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-06

High Fructose Corn Syrup Causes High Blood Pressure

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It was recently announced by WebMD that the presence of high fructose corn syrup in the soft drinks can actually increase your blood pressure. This can happen even if you are otherwise healthy. This is according to a new study by the University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center in Aurora, Colorado.

Diana Jalal, MD a researcher said "High fructose intake is linked to high blood pressure,".

So how much soda does it take to cause high blood pressure? Jalal says it takes only two and half sugary soft drinks a day to elevate blood pressure!

The study examined 4,528 adults, all age 18 or older, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2003 and 2006. None of the participants had a history of high blood pressure. Participants were surveyed about diet, and fructose intake was estimated based on answers about consumption of soft drinks, fruit juices, candy, and other types of foods. The researchers did not include the natural fructose from fruits in this study. Natural fructose is not harmful because other substances (like antioxidants) in whole fruits counteract any harmful effects. The study found that the median fructose intake was 74 grams per day - approximately 2.5 sugary soft drinks a day.

The researchers found the link between high blood pressure and high fructose intake even though they varied the factors like age, level of activity, intake of calorie ans salt. The trial participants who are given 74 grams of fructose or more responded with 36 higher risk of having high blood pressure.

"Nitric oxide relaxes the vessel and is supposed to lower pressure. Fructose reduces the production of nitric oxide and makes it difficult for the vessels to relax and dilate. We know that fructose has the potential to reduce nitric oxide production within the blood vessels." This is as explained by Jalal, MD

Frutose can also raise blood pressure by raising uric acid in the blood, which tells kidneys to eliminate less salt.

Maureen Storey from the American Beverage Association commented, "It's important to remember that this is an abstract presented at a scientific meeting. It is not a published, peer-reviewed paper where the study, the data and the results and conclusions have undergone the rigors of peer review. There is nothing unique about soft drinks and/or high fructose corn syrup when it comes to risk for high pressure."

Fruits naturally contains fructose. Fructose products such as high fructose corn syrup does carry a health problem as suggested from different studies even though the beverage association comment otherwise. And a latest research has found that the samples tested on high fructose corn syrup contains substance of mercury.

Most of these foods including soft drinking just brings in empty calories. You will see immediate benefits once you stop drinking soft drinks. IF you are an addict for soft drinks then you can search for soft drinks that is still made with natural sugar to avoid intake of fructose corn syrup. Even though the research is still ongoing at present the best thing to do is to avoid refined fructose altogether to reduce the risk of getting high blood pressure. In this case the products you need to avoid are soft drinks, fruit juices, baked goods, and candies.

Regular exercise reduce the risk of getting high blood pressure considerably. One should consider exercise as a medicine it need not be heavy and rigorous. You can opt for simple and easy exercise. It is advised to avoid all foods that are artificial and processed. You can adopt to natural foods, and try to follow diet that contains loads of fruits and vegetables.

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Autor: Christian Goodman

Blue Heron Health News is a leading source of natural health information that lately introduced an information article on how to lower blood pressure naturally.


Added: January 6, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-04

High Blood Pressure Medication - Can They Be Responsible For More People Ignoring Hypertension?

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High blood pressure medication is the most common method of controlling hypertension. But could it also be a contributor to even higher blood pressure or worse?

With over 300 brands to choose from, often times the effectiveness of a given medication has to go through a trial and error period with an individual patient before a reasonable dosage or combination of drugs can be achieved. It's during this period tat the patient is likely to experience side effects.

Side effects from high blood pressure medications can range from the annoying like a need to frequently urinate, to having an impact on the quality of life such as general fatigue, impotence, dizziness and blurred vision. In some instances, the drugs can actually cause what they are designed to control. Heart attacks, strokes and congestive heart failure are all possible side effects of some of the drugs.

A patient new to these medication may soon loose there tolerance for the side effects and the juggling of dosages and decide to abandon them all together. This is particularly true of persons with mild hypertension who considered themselves healthy before being diagnosed as hypertensive.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure has no outward symptoms and for many, the first time they realize they have the condition is when they have their blood pressure checked. As a result, the new patient weighs the misery of the side effects, and perhaps the cost of this new life long requirement, against life the way it used to be. It is not unreasonable to see why they chose to abandon the therapy even knowing the risk. In their minds, the cure is worse than the disease.

This of course is a trend that can be extremely dangerous. Hypertension can not be ignored. It will not go away by itself. It kills over 50,000 Americans each year.

If a patient decides they cannot tolerate the medicine, then they need to take other steps to control their condition.

Fortunately, there is an alternative to drugs. In fact the American Heart Association endorses changes in lifestyle over the use of medication. The fact is, this condition can not only be controlled, but reversed by making changes in diet, exercise and stress management. It's not rocket science; it's simply informed common sense and something that anyone can accomplish if they commit to it.

It's estimated that of the 65 million Americans that have high blood pressure, one third don't know they have it. Of the remaining 43 million who know they have the condition, fully a third are not treating it. This is a huge public health issue that screams out for attention.

It also begs the question as to why blood pressure medications are prescribed as the control of choice rather than encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. Is it simply a Western medicine tradition that there's a pill for everything, or is it something else. When there is overwhelming evidence that this condition can be controlled naturally, why do we continue to put patients through the miseries and expense of medication?

It's your body. If you are hypertensive then you have to make a decision as to how you will deal with it. You can't just ignore it or it will eventually take its toll on you.



Autor: Rachel Willson

Did you know that there is an alternative to high blood pressure medication that can lower your BP reading by 20 points in three weeks? Would you like to know how? Visit http://MyNaturalCures.info for the answer to that question and more on replacing drugs with a healthy lifestyle.


Added: January 4, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-03

Tips on How to Prevent High Blood Pressure

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High blood pressure, also known as "hypertension," can strike anyone at any age. Once known as an age-related disease, this "silent killer" can sometimes hit even young children. If you want to avoid getting hypertension as you advance in age, you might want to start making a few lifestyle changes today.

#1 - Start getting exercise. I'm sure many of us don't have time to get an adequate workout everyday, but any exercise is better than no exercise at all. Find an exercise you can enjoy -- biking, swimming, bodyweight exercises -- and work your way to a more comprehensive fitness regimen from there.

#2 - Try eating more garlic. Garlic has been known to reduce high blood pressure almost instantly, so learning to like this healthy little spice can put you at lesser risk of its symptoms. If you don't like garlic, you can try looking for a garlic food supplement instead.

#3 - Take more vitamin C. This vitamin has long been known as a figurehead of good health, and preventing high blood pressure is yet another one of its long list of benefits. Aside from vitamin C supplements, try to get it from more natural sources, such as fruits and vegetables.

#4 - Ask your doctor about CoQ10. This element has been used successfully by some doctors to successfully wean high blood pressure sufferers from their medications. It's natural and harmless, and has none of the side-effects of regular high blood pressure medications.

Don't get complacent -- you'll be surprised at how easily people get high blood pressure these days. This is especially true when the winter months come along -- think of all those dinners to attend! Learn to make these lifestyle changes and make your way to a life lived healthily -- not only will you prevent the onset of hypertension, but many other life-threatening diseases, as well.



Autor: Jason Rodriguez

Jason has a passion for article writing and writes about a variety of topics. Be sure to visit his website for information on drip coffee makers reviews at white coffee maker


Added: January 3, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2010-01-02

Obesity and High Blood Pressure - Are Our College Kids the Next Big Wave of Heart Attacks?

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Who would guess that young, intelligent adults attending college may already have more health issues like high blood pressure and obesity than their parents did at that age? In a study done by the University of New Hampshire of 800 undergraduates, that's just what they found.

The University has a popular Nutrition class that they intended to spice up by making it more interactive. The new syllabus called for the students conducting a number of health screens on each other to bring home the subject material. When officials looked at the finished lesson plans, they realized they had an opportunity to gather a world of health information on a demographic that is woefully understudied.

The results of the tests were surprising. Fully a third of the students were obese. Sixty percent of the men had high blood pressure. Eight percent of the men had metabolic syndrome. Nearly 45% of the women were not meeting daily nutritional needs for calcium, folate or iron.

Students completed health surveys, had their Body Mass Index computed, prepared a diary of food eaten to evaluate nutritional content, and were screened for high blood pressure, triglycerides, glucose and total cholesterol.

Nobody was more surprised at the results than the students themselves. The general perception was that high cholesterol, obesity, and blood pressure problems belonged to an older generation not to them.

The bad news is if they stay on the same health trajectory, they will represent a bigger health burden on society than their parents will. The good news is there are fewer smokers. That's about the only area of health that has improved over their parents' generation.

Perhaps not surprising but very telling is a uniform deficiency in diet of both men and women. Essential minerals and vitamins simply weren't being consumed. Study after study has shown a strong link to poor diet and diseases like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.

While this study probably had a personal impact on the 800 participants, the trend that they set for their demographic is a dangerous one for us as a country. If our most educated are ignorant in the basics of nutrition and healthy lifestyle, this country will be in for a major health crisis in 25 to 30 years.



Autor: Rachel Willson

Did you know that a natural cure can treat both obesity and high blood pressure without using drugs and achieve amazing results. Blood pressure lowered 20 points in three weeks and weight loss dropped without fad diets. To learn how visit http://MyNaturalCures.info right now.


Added: January 2, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/