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.
2010-02-01

Is My High Blood Pressure Medicine Making Me Gain Weight?

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But many of my clients bother about this weight round the year. Even though this time of the year it is definitely very hard to control the temptation for food. That is because of their high pressure medication.

All high blood pressure medications are prescription medicines and should be respected as the potentially dangerous drugs that they are.

Side effects of many high pressure medications can include: marked, weight gain, fluid retention, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, (due to vomiting and diarrhea most likely), skin rashes, extreme tiredness, weakness, leg cramps, constipation, bleeding gums, frequent urination (especially at night), low potassium, dry mouth, vertigo (dizziness), headache, excessive hair growth, insomnia, nightmares, cold hands and feed and sensitivity to sunlight.

Because of fluid retention, lethargy, lack of sleep (we compensate by gaining lost energy from food) and depression, it's no wonder that people reduce or stop exercising and quite frequently turn to food for comfort. What comes next? We gain weight of course.

while some people have gained few pounds. Many of my patients have said that they have gained more than 100 pounds over the years of medication. And this will get them into the category of obese if they are already not there. And obesity brings many risk factors for high pressure.

The other major side effects are gout, increased blood sugar (especially bad for diabetics), low pressure, slow heart beat, fast heart beat, birth defects and death in fetuses of pregnant women, erectile dysfunction, depression, and get this - risk of heart attack!

Moreover, leaving high blood pressure apart the patient now carries high probability of developing diabetes, osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome and high cholesterol.

If the high blood pressure didn't make you depressed, weight gain and other associated obesity related diseases certainly would.

What happens quite frequently is that the patient will either stop taking or greatly reduce the amount of high blood pressure medication he or she is taking. One should never stop taking prescription medications before consulting a doctor.

If you are presently taking medicine for high blood pressure, try including a few natural methods to reduce your blood pressure in order to convince your doctor that you can lower or eliminate the medicine? Trust me when I say I understand how difficult it can be to convince a doctor that medicine is not the correct treatment for you.

Stop smoking, avoid over indulging in alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, reduce sodium in the diet and reduce stress. These methods can help you to reduce blood pressure without any medications.

It works and it is easy to start and easy to maintain consistently. My high blood pressure program is also highly recommended.

If you have a problem with your weight loss the you can try my weight loss breeze program. The easy and simple to do exercise comes out with results.



Autor: Christian Goodman

Christian Goodman is a best known health researcher and the author of many revolutionary natural health alternative methods. One of his most popular breakthroughs is his natural method for managing high blood pressure naturally. You can learn more about Christian on his Natural Health Blog.


Added: February 1, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

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/