Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure.
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries, the major blood vessels in the body.
Usually hypertension is defined as blood pressure above 140/90, and is considered severe if the pressure is above 180/120.
CAUSES
The cause of hypertension is often not known. In many cases, it is as a result of an underlying health condition.
The primary causes of hypertension are:
1. Blood plasma volume
Hormone activity in people who manage blood volume and pressure using medication. environmental factors, such as stress and lack of exercise.
2. Secondary hypertension has specific causes and is a complication of another health problem such as:
– diabetes, due to kidney problems and nerve damage,
– kidney disease, pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer of an adrenal gland.
– congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a disorder of the cortisol-secreting adrenal glands
– hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland
– hyperparathyroidism, which affects calcium and phosphorous levels
– pregnancy
– sleep apnea
– obesity
NATURAL REMEDIES
1. Diet
– People can prevent high blood pressure by following a heart-healthy diet.
– Reducing salt intake
Lowering salt intake can benefit people both with and without hypertension.
– Eating more fruit and vegetables and less fat: whole grain, high fibre foods, a variety of fruit and vegetables, beans, pulses, and nuts, fish rich in omega-3 twice a week, nontropical vegetable oils, for example, olive oil.
– Skinless poultry and fish
– Low fat dairy products
2. Managing body weight
Excess body weight can contribute to hypertension. A fall in blood pressure usually follows weight loss, as the heart does not have to work so hard to pump blood around the body.
A balanced diet with a calorie intake that matches the individual’s size, sex, and activity level will help.
Written by Sarah Amah
Source: Medical News Today
