Why Is High Blood Pressure So Serious
High blood pressure is often referred to as the silent killer because most of the time, its symptoms arent particularly noticeable, yet outcomes may be vast and very serious. In addition, the longer that you suffer from high blood pressure and dont take steps to manage it, the more chance it will cause irreversible damage to your body.
Hypertension is a main cause of chronic and acute health problems like:
- heart failure
- eye damage
- nerve damage
Thus, its crucial that you take control of high blood pressure as soon as possible and make it a lifelong goal to keep it at a healthy level.
What Is High Blood Pressure
Arteries are naturally flexible and smooth, which allows blood to easily move throughout the body. High blood pressure creates extra force against the artery walls, which damages the lining of the arteries. As they become narrower and harder, this restricts blood flow, and when blood flow is lowered, the heart has to work harder to pump it through the body, which only makes the problem worse.
Healthy blood pressure is any reading under 120/80 mm Hg, where the top number represents the blood pressure level when heart beats and the lower number represents the blood pressure level in between beats. Anything over 120/80 is considered high, and you are considered to be at a very high risk if your reading is over 140/90.
High Blood Pressure Definition
The definition of high blood pressure, or hypertension, changed in 2017 according to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association guidelines.
Now, normal blood pressure is a systolic, or a top number, of less than 120 and a diastolic blood pressure, or bottom number, of less than 80. So if you have a systolic blood pressure of 130 or greater consistently, you have hypertension. And if you have a diastolic blood pressure of 80 or greater consistently, you have hypertension.
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What Causes Low Blood Pressure
There are several causes of low blood pressure. Some are temporary and can be easily fixed.
Low blood pressure may also be a sign of a health issue or emergency condition. Treatment may be necessary.
Several health conditions can cause low blood pressure. These include:
- trauma or head injury
Diagnosing and treating these conditions can help balance blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend simple tests such as:
- blood tests to check hormone levels, blood sugar levels, and for infections
- an electrocardiogram or Holter monitor to check heart rhythm and function
- an echocardiogram to check your heart health
- an exercise stress test to check your heart health
- a tilt table test to check low blood pressure due to changes in body position
- the Valsalva maneuver, a breathing test to check for nervous system causes of low blood pressure
How Is Low Blood Pressure Diagnosed
Like high blood pressure, low blood pressure can be diagnosed easily with a .
If you feel dizzy or faint when you stand up, you might need to have your blood pressure measured when youre lying down and again while you are standing up.
You might be offered a tilt table test. This is where you lie on a table that starts in a horizontal position, then slowly tilts so that youre in an almost upright position as if you were standing. You will have your blood pressure and pulse monitored, and any symptoms you feel will be recorded. You might also have a blood test to check the levels of certain hormones.
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Home Remedies To Treat Low Blood Pressure Naturally
Some people naturally have low blood pressure. This generally doesnt cause any symptoms and should not be a cause for worry. Remember, low blood pressure requires treatment only when its causing symptoms that affect your normal life. If your low blood pressure is caused by an underlying condition, your doctor may initiate treatment for it. And in some cases, medication may be prescribed for your condition. However, the symptoms of low blood pressure can usually be treated with home remedies and lifestyle changes. Here are some measures you can try.
Blood Pressure Foods To Avoid
- High sodium foods: Sodium raises blood pressure avoid high sodium processed foods, pickles, olives or canned foods.
- Trans fats and Omega-6 fats: These fats increase inflammation and blood pressure and are found in packaged foods and conventional meats.
- Sugar: High sugar consumption is connected to high blood pressure.
- Caffeine: Too much caffeine can cause an increase in blood pressure.
- Alcohol: Narrows arteries and can increase blood pressure.
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Best Home Remedies For Low Blood Pressure
Blood pressure disorders are common, whether it is high or low. Everyone knows about hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypertension is a much-talked topic, and people are aware of its symptoms, but not many know about low blood pressure.
Blood pressure is defined as the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood into your arteries. Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats, pumping the blood. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Many of us want low blood pressure, and it is good up to certain limits. However, low blood pressure can be dangerous as high blood pressure.
Low blood pressure or hypotension may cause inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. A blood pressure reading lower than 90 millimeters of mercury for the top number or 60 mm Hg for the bottom number is generally considered low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is not a concern till it causes some problems. However, when low blood pressure causes any symptoms, it can be a sign that you need to consult a doctor.
There are various reasons for low blood pressure can cause serious consequences.
- Dehydration
- Weak and rapid pulse
Home Remedies For Low Blood Pressure
Eat smaller food portions more frequently: Consuming smaller meals more frequently during the day can help support healthy blood pressure by preventing it from falling lower.
Consume an adequate amount of salt: People with high blood pressure are advised to steer clear of salt however, salt consumption is actually advised for those with hypotensionbut still in moderate amounts, of course. If you are hypotensive, it may also be a good idea to have a pinch of salt with your lime water as a quick pick-me-up when your blood pressure begins to fall.
Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking plenty of water and coconut water can provide your body with the necessary electrolytes to maintain a proper fluid balance, which ensures healthy blood pressure. Dehydration has been known to lead to low blood pressure, so staying hydrated can combat it. Pomegranate juice is also a good beverage to consume as it has antioxidants to help manage blood pressure.
Caffeine: Caffeinated beverages like coffee are also beneficial for low blood pressure. This remedy should only be utilized as a quick pick-me-up. It can only temporarily boost blood pressure, so it can buy you enough time to grab a healthy snack.
Almond milk: Drinking almond milk can help you maintain healthy blood pressure. Better yet, its quite healthy for you as it contains no saturated fat or cholesterol and is packed with healthy omega fatty acids.
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What To Eat To Help Raise Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including medication side effects and conditions like diabetes. What you eat also has a notable impact on your heart health and blood pressure. Here are eight diet tips that might help raise your blood pressure back up to a healthy level.
Reduce And Avoid Chronic Stress
Some stress in life is unavoidable. But if you feel stressed out and tense for much or all of the day, your habits might be affected. People with chronic stress are in danger of unhealthy coping habits like overeating and substance abuse. It can also be difficult to sleep if you are frequently or constantly stressed. All of these things can raise your blood pressure.
To keep your stress in check, make time for healthy activities. Spend some time every day in an activity that relaxes you, such as:
- Gardening
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The Best Resource For Lower Blood Pressure Your Doctor
No matter the diet and lifestyle changes you choose to make, your doctor is an essential partner.
Your primary care doctor is one of your best advocates. Theyll be familiar with what will work best for your personal lifestyle, and they can work with you at regular checkups to get your blood pressure numbers and monitor the progress youre making. They can also show you how to accurately check your blood pressure at home.
In addition, your primary care doctor can give you custom feedback based on your entire health picture. Building on the work youve already started on your own, they can help you identify even more realistic changes you can make to support lower blood pressure naturally.
In addition, your primary care doctor can help you build on the work youve already done. They can help you identify more lifestyle changes that can help lower your blood pressure naturally, and connect you with a cardiology expert for even more care.
Check Your Blood Pressure
The only way of knowing whether you have low blood pressure is to have a blood pressure test.
All adults over 40 are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. Getting this done is easy and could save your life. If you have problems with your blood pressure, it is likely your GP will advise more regular checks.
You can get your blood pressure tested at a number of places, including:
- at your GP surgery
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Dr Rupali Datta Clinical Dietitian At Fortis
1. Eat small portions frequently: Sneak healthy snacking sessions in-between the major meals of the day to avoid long gaps. Eating small portions several times of the day helps in preventing the sudden drop in blood pressure that one may experience after meals. So, if you are eating three full meals a day, it would be better to rather have them distributed in to five small meals a day. This one’s a great home remedy for also people who have diabetes.
Home remedies for low blood pressure: eat small portions frequently
2. Have adequate salt: Excess salt is bad, but on the other hand it is required by your body in moderate quantities. According to the World Health Organisation, your daily diet must contain at one teaspoon of added salt besides what you derive from natural from fruits and vegetables. In summers or if you exercise daily, keep some lime water with a pinch of salt handy. Salt works like an instant pick-me-up. Make sure you do not have too much salt too that may lead to problems like water retention along with high blood pressure.
Home remedies for low blood pressure: Excess salt is bad, but it is required by your body in moderate quantitiesHome remedies for low blood pressure: Drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water every dayHome remedies for low blood pressure: Caffeinated beverages like tea or coffee may help boost your blood pressureHome remedies for low blood pressure: Chew five to six tulsi leaves every morning
Ways To Lower High Blood Pressure Immediately
The encouraging data on high blood pressure , is that you can lower your elevated levels through a number of simple everyday lifestyle changes. These adjustments can reduce your measurement numbers and cut risks without the need for medications. We’ll discuss nine effective measures on the following slides.
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How Is Low Blood Pressure Treated
If your blood pressure is naturally low and isnt causing you any problems it probably wont need any treatment. If you have symptoms and your doctor or nurse feels that you would benefit from treatment, they will try to find the cause of your low blood pressure so that they can find the best way to treat it.
The treatments will vary depending on the cause.
- A change in medications. If your GP thinks that your blood pressure is caused by a medication youre taking they might want to try an alternative medication or a different dose.
- Hormone replacement. If your low blood pressure is caused by a change in certain hormones, for example if your adrenal glands have been damaged, you may be referred to a specialist called an endocrinologist. They might prescribe hormone replacement medication.
- Medicines to stimulate your nerves. If you have a neurological condition, you may be given medicines to stimulate the nerves.
- Medicines for low blood pressure. These medicines narrow your blood vessels or expand the volume of your blood to raise your blood pressure. These are very rarely needed, as the treatments listed above and the changes you can make for yourself are usually enough.
Should You Use Herbal Remedies To Treat Low Blood Pressure
Certain herbs like licorice18, arnica 19, guarana20, and Asian ginseng21 have been known to increase blood pressure. However, do keep in mind that these herbs may have significant side effects and may also raise your blood pressure to undesirable levels. High blood pressure, in turn, is associated with serious conditions like heart failure, kidney failure, and stroke. So, on balance, it might not be advisable to use herbal remedies to raise your blood pressure. In case you are considering it, get your doctors go-ahead and have them under the guidance of an expert practitioner.
References
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How To Lower Blood Pressure: 5 Natural Ways
Studies over the past 20 years have shown that the majority of people in economic developing countries have blood pressure numbers that are higher than they should be, with many experiencing high blood pressure.
In fact, there are millions of people all over the world who are struggling with high blood pressure symptoms, or hypertension. As of 2008, the prevalence of elevated blood pressure among adults over 25 years old was about 40 percent worldwide. Approximately 75 million American adults thats 32 percent, or 1 in every 3 adults suffer from high blood pressure.
Get The Facts On Alcohol And Blood Pressure
Many of us like to have a drink when we go out with friends or family. The right concoction can make a delicious dish even better or help set the mood for a fun evening. But alcohol and blood pressure dont always mix well.
Drinking a lot can raise your blood pressure, which puts you at greater risk for a wide variety of further cardiovascular issues. So when you decide to drink, its important not to have too much.
How much is too much? If youre a woman, try not to have more than one drink per day. For men, no more than two drinks per day. A standard drink is a 12 oz. beer, a 5 oz. glass of wine or 1.5 oz. of spirits.
However, if youve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may advise you on a different daily limit, or suggest you cut out alcohol completely.
And just to clear something up: Red wine isnt necessarily good for your heart the research is still unclear and we still suggest moderation.
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Drink Plenty Of Water
Dehydration can sometimes lead to low blood pressure. Some people may have hypotension even with mild dehydration.
You can also get dehydrated by losing water too quickly. This can happen through vomiting, severe diarrhea, fever, strenuous exercise, and excess sweating. Medications such as diuretics may also cause dehydration.
For Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure needs a different treatment approach. Your doctor may not treat it at all if you dont have symptoms.
Low blood pressure is often caused by another health condition, such as a thyroid problem, medication side effects, dehydration, diabetes, or bleeding. Your doctor will likely treat that condition first.
If its unclear why your blood pressure is low, treatment options may include:
- eating more salt
- wearing compression stockings to help prevent blood from pooling in your legs
- taking a corticosteroid such as fludrocortisone to help increase blood volume
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About Low Blood Pressure
The heart pumps a constant supply of blood around the body. The blood flows through different networks in the body, for example, arteries, veins and capillaries. Blood pressure is a measure of the force of the blood on the walls of the arteries as the blood flows through them.
It’s measured in millimetres of mercury and recorded as two measurements:
- systolic pressure the pressure when your heart beats and squeezes blood into your arteries
- diastolic pressure the pressure when your heart rests between beats
For example, if your systolic blood pressure is 120mmHg and your diastolic blood pressure is 80mmHg, your blood pressure is 120 over 80, which is commonly written as 120/80.
Normal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 140/90. If you have a sustained reading of 140/90 or more, you have high blood pressure . This puts you at greater risk of developing serious health conditions, such as heart attack or stroke.
People with a blood pressure reading under 90/60 are usually regarded as having low blood pressure.
Why You Might Have Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure has many possible causes, from lifestyle choices, to medication or an underlying health condition.
In some cases, it may just be the result of being healthy and active or a tendency you’ve inherited from your parents.
Throughout the day, it’s normal for your blood pressure to vary depending on what you’re doing. Stress at work, the temperature outside and your diet could all affect your blood pressure reading.
This is why it’s important your blood pressure is checked under similar conditions each time to make sure results are consistent.
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