what are treatments for high blood pressure

Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure, sometimes called arterial hypertension, which are the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs. Uncontrolled high blood pressure ultimately can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, thickening of the heart muscle and heart attacks, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), kidney failure, and strokes. Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers. The systolic blood pressure (the top number) equals the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts. The diastolic pressure (the bottom number) is the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension," and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high while a systolic blood pressure of about 90 to 100 is considered low blood pressure. Hypertension puts strain on the heart, leading to hypertensive heart disease and coronary artery disease if not treated. Hypertension is also a major risk factor for stroke, aneurysms of the arteries), peripheral arterial disease and is a cause of chronic kidney disease. 

The main causes of high blood pressure are stress because the rising of the pressure starts with pre-hypertension and followed by hypertension. Besides stress, high salt intake, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol, diabetes and obesity can lead to high blood pressure as well. The sign and symptoms of high blood pressure is commonly headache at the back of the head. Most people tend to take pain killers without knowing the consequences. Intake of pain killer does not help reduce blood pressure but causes more dangerous effects to the veins. When the blood rushes to the veins during high blood pressure, without consulting a doctor and taking pain killers will result the veins to burst which leads to death. It is very important to note that when headache at the back of the head occurs, seek immediate medical treatment to avoid damage to the veins. Many cases occur when people only consult doctor when damage has occurred in the body such as heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. The American Heart Association defines a normal blood pressure as less than 120/80. Pre-hypertension ranges between 120/80 and 139/89, and high blood pressure is 140/90 and higher. In pregnancy normal blood pressure should be below 120/80. Use the blood pressure chart to see what your blood pressure means.

Blood Pressure Category	Systolic mm Hg (upper #)		Diastolic mm Hg (lower #)
Normal	less than 120	and	less than 80
Prehypertension	120 – 139	or	80 – 89
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1	140 – 159	or	90 – 99
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2	160 or higher	or	100 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis (Emergency care needed)	Higher than 180	or	Higher than 110

  

Besides doctor’s treatment, home remedies play an important role in reducing high blood pressure. Learn the home remedies to fight high blood pressure, and reduce the chance of strokes, blindness, kidney failure, and heart failure.

• The most effective home remedy for high blood pressure is taking Garlic. Garlic is a miracle herb that has been held in high esteem for over 6000 years and it is a cure for High Blood Pressure. Garlic is considered for a multitude of disorders and illnesses besides hypertension because of its properties. It is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal in nature. 

• Lemons help keep blood vessels soft and pliable and by removing any rigidity, high blood pressure will be reduced. In addition, you can help lower your chance of heart failure by consuming lemon juice regularly, due to its vitamin B content. For immediate relief in high blood pressure squeeze a lemon in the water and drink immediately.

• Bananas are a rich source of potassium, which helps control blood pressure levels. At the same time, they are low in sodium and have no cholesterol, both of which also are good for people with this problem.

• A 2005 study published in the West Indian Medical Journal found that coconut water, being rich in potassium, magnesium and vitamin C can help decrease systolic blood pressure. Along with coconut water, you can also use coconut oil when cooking.

Food and lifestyle plays an important role in reducing high blood pressure. Regular exercise and yoga meditation helps to avoid or reduce high blood. There are certain types of food that should not be taken for those with high blood which are;

Pickles

Pickles are low calorie, which is great, but they are loaded with sodium.

Bacon

Bacon is mostly fat. Three slices have 4.5 grams of fat and about 270 mg of sodium.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption actively causes the blood pressure to elevate.  It also damages the walls of the blood vessels, while simultaneously increases risks of further complications.

Salt

Sodium has long been implicated in chronic ailments such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Additionally, recent studies have shown that increased salt intake is proportional to an increase in cancers of the stomach, oesophagus, and bladder. 

In conclusion, love your body and take care of it because our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Exercise regularly, consume more fruits and vegetables and live a healthy lifestyle. Meditate regularly to control stress. We are the cause of our sickness and it is our own duty to take care of ourselves. Be happy and have fun because it is not the end of the world.