What are the symptoms of high blood pressure. How is high blood pressure diagnosed. What causes high blood pressure. How can high blood pressure be treated. What are the risks associated with hypertension. How can you prevent high blood pressure. What lifestyle changes can help manage hypertension.

Understanding Blood Pressure: What Do the Numbers Mean?

Blood pressure is a vital sign that measures the force of blood pushing against your artery walls. It’s expressed as two numbers: systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) pressure. A reading of 136/88 mmHg indicates elevated blood pressure, falling into the Stage 1 hypertension category according to current guidelines.

Decoding Blood Pressure Readings

What do these numbers actually represent? The systolic pressure (136 mmHg) measures the force when your heart beats and pushes blood out. The diastolic pressure (88 mmHg) represents the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats. Both numbers are crucial for understanding your cardiovascular health.

• Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated: 120-129/less than 80 mmHg
• Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
• Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/90+ mmHg
• Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180/120 mmHg

With a reading of 136/88, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and potential treatment options.

The Silent Threat: Recognizing High Blood Pressure Symptoms

High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” typically develops over years without noticeable symptoms. This is why regular check-ups are crucial. However, when blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels, some signs may become apparent.

Common Symptoms of Severe Hypertension

• Persistent headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds
• Visual changes
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Blood in urine

Is it possible to have high blood pressure without any symptoms? Absolutely. Many people with hypertension remain asymptomatic for years, which is why it’s often discovered during routine medical check-ups.

Unraveling the Causes of High Blood Pressure

The exact cause of primary hypertension remains unknown in most cases. However, several risk factors contribute to its development. Understanding these can help in prevention and management strategies.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

• Age: Risk increases as you get older
• Family history: Genetic predisposition plays a role
• Race: African Americans are at higher risk
• Gender: Men are generally at greater risk until age 64, then women become more susceptible

Modifiable Risk Factors

• Obesity or being overweight
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High sodium intake
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Chronic stress
• Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease)

Can stress cause a temporary spike in blood pressure? Yes, acute stress can cause short-term elevations in blood pressure. However, chronic stress may contribute to long-term hypertension.

Diagnosing High Blood Pressure: Beyond the Numbers

Diagnosing high blood pressure involves more than just a single reading. Healthcare providers typically take multiple measurements over time to confirm a diagnosis of hypertension.

The Diagnostic Process

1. Multiple readings: Taken on different days to ensure accuracy
2. Home monitoring: May be recommended for consistent tracking
3. 24-hour ambulatory monitoring: Provides a comprehensive picture of blood pressure fluctuations
4. Physical examination: To check for signs of complications
5. Blood tests: To assess kidney function and other relevant factors
6. Electrocardiogram (ECG): To check for heart abnormalities

How often should blood pressure be checked? For adults 18 and older with normal blood pressure, it’s recommended to have it checked at least once every two years. Those with elevated readings or other risk factors may need more frequent monitoring.

Treatment Approaches: Managing High Blood Pressure Effectively

The goal of hypertension treatment is to lower blood pressure to a healthy range, typically below 130/80 mmHg. Treatment strategies often involve a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Adopting a heart-healthy diet (e.g., DASH diet)
• Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week)
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Quitting smoking
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques

Medications for Hypertension

• Diuretics
• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Calcium channel blockers
• Beta-blockers

How long does it take for blood pressure medication to work? While some medications can start lowering blood pressure within hours, it may take several weeks to see the full effect and find the right combination of drugs.

Complications of Untreated Hypertension: The Long-Term Risks

Chronic high blood pressure can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. Understanding these risks emphasizes the importance of proper management.

Potential Complications

• Heart attack and heart failure
• Stroke
• Aneurysm
• Kidney damage or failure
• Vision problems or loss
• Cognitive decline and dementia
• Peripheral artery disease

Can high blood pressure cause permanent damage? Yes, prolonged hypertension can lead to irreversible damage to various organs and systems in the body, underscoring the importance of early detection and treatment.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Blood Pressure in Check

Preventing high blood pressure is crucial for overall cardiovascular health. Many of the prevention strategies align with the lifestyle modifications used in treatment.

Key Prevention Tactics

1. Maintain a healthy weight
2. Exercise regularly
3. Eat a balanced, low-sodium diet
4. Limit alcohol consumption
5. Avoid tobacco products
6. Manage stress effectively
7. Monitor blood pressure regularly
8. Get adequate sleep

Is it possible to reverse high blood pressure without medication? In some cases, especially in the early stages or with borderline hypertension, lifestyle changes alone may be sufficient to bring blood pressure back to a normal range.

Special Considerations: Hypertension in Specific Populations

Certain groups may require special attention when it comes to managing high blood pressure. These populations may have unique risk factors or treatment considerations.

High-Risk Groups

• Pregnant women
• Older adults
• Children and adolescents
• People with diabetes
• Individuals with chronic kidney disease

How does pregnancy affect blood pressure? Pregnancy can induce hypertension in some women, a condition known as gestational hypertension. This requires careful monitoring and management to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Hypertension Management

The field of hypertension research is constantly evolving, with new insights and treatment approaches emerging regularly. Staying informed about these developments can provide hope and new options for those managing high blood pressure.

Promising Areas of Research

• Gene therapy for hypertension
• Novel drug targets and combinations
• Personalized medicine approaches
• Telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies
• Lifestyle interventions and behavior change strategies

What role might artificial intelligence play in hypertension management? AI could potentially revolutionize blood pressure monitoring and treatment by providing personalized recommendations based on vast amounts of data, helping to optimize medication regimens and lifestyle interventions.

In conclusion, a blood pressure reading of 136/88 mmHg indicates Stage 1 hypertension and warrants attention. While high blood pressure often develops silently, its potential consequences are serious. Through a combination of lifestyle changes, medication when necessary, and regular monitoring, it’s possible to effectively manage hypertension and reduce the risk of complications. As research continues to advance our understanding of this condition, new and more effective treatments may become available, offering hope for improved outcomes for those affected by high blood pressure.

High blood pressure symptoms and treatment

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your artery walls.
High blood pressure (HBP), also known as hypertension, means the pressure
in your arteries is higher than it should be. Hypertension can develop
over many years without showing any signs or symptoms; however, throughout
this time, damage is being done to your overall health. Thus giving this
condition the nickname “silent killer.” Hypertension can be
identified as primary (without a known cause) or secondary (having an
underlying condition as its cause).

Hypertension increases the workload of your heart and blood vessels. Over
time, this workload leads to the damage of your artery walls. In turn,
LDL (bad) cholesterol forms plaque along these damaged walls. Plaque build-up
is a condition known as
atherosclerosis. As plaque accumulates, the narrower the insides of the arteries become,
leading to not only higher blood pressure, but signifies the beginning
of a cycle that will further damage your heart and the rest of your body.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

Although the exact cause is unknown, certain conditions, traits or habits
may raise your risk for the condition. These are known as risk factors
and include:

Non-modifiable risk factors: These factors are irreversible and cannot be changed. The more of these
risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing HBP.

• Starting at age 18, ask your doctor for a blood pressure reading at least
  every two years. If you’re age 40 or older, or you’re 18 to 39 with a
  high risk of high blood pressure, ask your doctor for a blood pressure
  reading every year.
• Family history/Genetics
• African Americans and non-white Hispanic Americans are at higher risk for
  developing high blood pressure than any other group in the U. S.

Modifiable risk factors: These factors can be modified, treated or controlled through medications
or lifestyle changes.

• Excessive alcohol consumption over many years.
• Little to no physical activity
• Excessive amounts of salt in diet that excess the recommended amounts of
  1,500 to 2,300 mg of sodium per day.
• Long history of smoking and/or drug abuse
• Extreme emotional stress

Other conditions that contribute to developing high blood pressure

• Aldosteronism: a condition in which there is excessive secretion of aldosterone
  which disturbs the balance of sodium, potassium, and water in the blood
  leading to high blood pressure.
• End-stage renal disease: a condition in which your kidneys have stopped
  working well and your body retains fluid.
• Thyroid disease: a condition that is caused by the over or under function
  of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is an essential organ for producing
  thyroid hormones, which maintains the body’s metabolism.
• Obstructive sleep apnea: a condition in which your breathing abruptly stops
  and starts while sleeping.
• Certain medications such as cough, cold, inflammation and migraine/headache
  medications.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms. However,
once blood pressure reaches a certain level, symptoms begin to show:

• Blurry or double vision
• Lightheadedness/Fainting
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Heart palpitations
• Nosebleeds
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and/or vomiting

*Anybody who experiences these symptoms should see their doctor immediately.

Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure

The best way to diagnose HBP is to have it measured. A blood pressure reading,
given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), has two numbers.

• Systolic blood pressure (the top number) indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against
  your artery walls during heartbeats.
• Diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting
  against your artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.

Blood pressure measurements fall into four general categories. The American
Heart Association’s guidelines are as follow:

• Normal blood pressure: A reading of less than 120 (systolic)
  and 80 (diastolic)
• Elevated blood pressure: A reading ranging from 120 to 129 (systolic)
  and below 80 (diastolic)
• Stage 1 hypertension: A reading ranging from 130 to 139 (systolic)
  or 80 to 89 (diastolic)
• Stage 2 hypertension: A reading ranging from 140 or higher (systolic)
  or 90 (diastolic)
• Hypertensive crisis (consult your doctor immediately): A reading higher than 180 (systolic)
  and/or 120 (diastolic)

*If you have an electronic blood pressure machine and would like to measure
your blood pressure at home, please follow The American Heart Association’s
guidelines:

• Don’t smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes
  before measuring your blood pressure.
• Empty your bladder and ensure at least 5 minutes of quiet rest before measurements.
• Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than
  a sofa). Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not
  be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface (such as a
  table) with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the bottom of the
  cuff is placed directly above the bend of the elbow. Check your monitor’s
  instructions for an illustration or have your healthcare provider show
  you how to do it.
• It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such
  as morning and evening .
• Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take
  two or three readings one minute apart and record the results.
• Don’t take the measurement over clothes.

Treatment of High Blood Pressure

Treatment for HBP depends on its severity and associated risks of developing
other diseases. Treatment options include:

Lifestyle changes

• Avoid
  smoking
• Eat a
  heart-healthy diet, especially one that is low in salt.
• Exercise under the directions of your doctor.
• If you’re overweight, talk to your doctor about weight-loss options.
• Limiting
  alcohol consumption to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.
• Manage
  stress
• Make and keep appointments to see your doctor for routine check-ups and follow-up tests.

Medications

• ACE inhibitors will help blood vessels relax and open up, leading to a
  lower blood pressure.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers will help blood vessels open up, leading
  to a lower blood pressure.
• Beta blockers will help reduce your blood pressure.
• Alpha blockers will help reduce the arteries’ resistance, relaxing
  the muscle tone of the vascular walls.
• Alpha-2 receptor agonists will help reduce blood pressure by decreasing
  the activity of the sympathetic portion of the involuntary nervous system.
• Calcium channel blockers will help relax and open up narrowed blood vessels,
  reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure.
• Combined alpha and beta blockers are used as an IV drip for those patients
  experiencing a hypertensive crisis.
• Central agonists will help decrease the blood vessels’ ability to
  tense up or contract.
• Diuretics “water pills” will help reduce the amount of fluid
  retention in your body.
• Peripheral adrenergic inhibitors will help reduce blood pressure by blocking
  neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Vasodilators will help the muscle in the walls of the blood vessels to
  relax, allowing the vessel to dilate.

Blood Pressure 136/88: What Does It Indicate?

A blood pressure of 136/88 indicates that you are at risk of a PRE-HYPERTENSION; however, the current reading doesn’t indicate that you don’t need immediate hospitalization.

This article tells you:

• What does a 136/88 blood pressure mean?
• What should you do if you have 136/88 blood pressure?
• Some easy to do home remedies and supplementations.
• Frequently asked question that will answer many of your queries regarding your 136/88 blood pressure.

The values in the blood pressure reading 136/88 give a clear indication that the person is under the medical condition of prehypertension.

Prehypertension is the medical condition when the blood pressure of an individual is of the order [120-139/80-89].

The value 136/88 specifies that with the way that things are going you might be at risk of severe heart problems and high blood pressure shortly if you were not able to keep your blood pressure in check.

And, that happens to be the particular reason why you should give it your best to keep your blood pressure in check.

Following certain measures and making certain adjustments in your lifestyle makes it relatively easier to bring your blood pressure back in control.

Here are certain symptoms that are associated with the problem of prehypertension:

Here is a set-by-step procedure to follow when you figure out you have a blood pressure of 136/88.

If your blood is 136/88 and you have checked the same in your home setup, it is highly recommended to get it checked at your doctor’s office.

A trained professional has to clinically assess your condition and confirm that your 136/88 is, in fact, clinically valid.

There are instances when your reading at home setup might give you a reading which is incorrectly reported. It could be because of an error in reading it, damage to your device, your physical or mental condition on that particular day, etc.

Therefore, a doctor has to assess it over the course of 7 – 30 days periodically before he/she can confirm the accurate stage of your blood pressure.

In some cases, a patient might report wrong blood pressure in a hospital setup, called white coat hypertension. Here the patient may show higher blood pressure than their actual because of the anxiety inside a hospital environment.

In contrast, some patients may have masked hypertension in which the person may show lower blood pressure at clinical setup, but at home, they may have higher blood pressure.

All these conditions are linked to physiology and psychology and, therefore, better to be validated by a doctor.

Making definite changes in your lifestyle is sufficient to bring your blood pressure back in control or within the ideal range of blood pressure. These changes will be good enough to change your blood pressure to a better degree.

Following are the things that are to be considered when thinking of opting for a new lifestyle for yourself:

Prehypertension can be an outcome of any medical condition or history of medical problems. Therefore, it is an overall good fact if you consider using medicines and prescribed drugs to keep your blood pressure in check.

Following are the medicines that are prescribed to individuals that are suffering from prehypertension:

The kind of foods that you include in your everyday diet can make a good-enough difference in your blood pressure. Therefore, if you were to keep your eating habits in check and behave well-disciplined regarding that, you will surely be able to maintain your blood pressure accordingly.

Following are some of the points that concern your diet which should be taken into consideration:

When you are diagnosed with prehypertension, then you may want to keep track few other comorbidities because either they can get aggravated or can get initiated.

Even your doctor will prescribe you to undergo certain medical checkups to rule out the possibility of damage to other organs. 

The following are the risks that are most likely to be associated with hypertension:

Sometimes managing blood pressure is all about supplementing your body with the right diet. Food is undoubtedly the best primary source to supplement your body.

However, in the current scenarios, we all know how much adultered our foodstuff is, and most of us are pushed towards processed foods to feed ourselves in this fast-paced world.

All these food are high in sugar and sodium and doesn’t contain any vital nutrients that are important for a healthy heart.

This is where some of the nutraceutical-based blood pressure supplements come in handy. These products combine all critical nutrients your heart craves, thereby assisting the better function of your cardiovascular system.

Generally, these supplements are a concoction of herbs, plant-based products, dairy products, and some animal products. They are 100% organic and natural and don’t contain any harmful chemicals.

If you are hearing about these segments of products for the first time,  to start with, you may blindly go for Blood Pressure Support from Vita Balance Inc, Blood Pressure Optimizer from HFL, or Corsanum, marketed by PLT Group.

The only one thing to keep in mind is that choose the best supplements that lower blood pressure, because when it comes to the heart, there is no taking of risk!

The state of prehypertension is not something to be made light of. It is not serious enough for you to consider serious medication, but that can also change quickly.

Therefore, it is better if you were to consider the best of the options that you have got for yourself.

It is good if you were to consider the usage of medicines after consulting with any physiotherapist.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the blood pressure, and what are the normal values?

Blood pressure is the pressure that is exerted by the blood flowing through arteries over those. Alongside that, this is the efficiency with which the blood is pumped by the heart to all the parts of the body through the circulatory system.

The normal values for blood pressure are between [90/60] and [120/80]. If a person has a blood pressure equivalent to this much, then it means that the blood will be flowing through the arteries relatively easily.

2. What is considered to be high blood pressure?

Blood pressure over the value of [130/80] is considered high blood pressure. This signifies that high pressure is being exerted by the blood flowing through the vessels over those.

And therefore, it is difficult for the human heart to be able to pump blood to all the parts of the body rather efficiently. This is a problem that can arise when the size of the vessels is contracted compared to the original size.

3. What is considered to be low blood pressure?

A blood pressure lesser than the value of [90/60] is termed low blood pressure. This type of value means that low pressure is put forward by the blood over the vessels that are carrying it. It can also be taken as a measure that, the blood is not able to reach all the parts of the body.

Or, the heart is not capable of circulating blood to all the parts of the body in an effective way. This problem in blood pressure is mainly the effect of dehydration and pregnancy.

4. What are hypertension and hypotension? Are they both the same as high and low blood pressure?

Hypertension is the condition that emerges when a person is having high blood pressure. Because of contraction in vessels, the blood can not flow through the vessels efficiently, and therefore, high pressure is exerted over the blood vessels, this particular condition is high blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension.

Hypotension is the condition that comes into effect when the blood pressure of a person is lower compared to the ideal value of blood pressure. This means that the heart is unable to pump blood through the blood vessels to all the body parts. This type of situation when observed is called low blood pressure, or hypotension.

5. What will happen to your general health when you have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure puts you at an imminent risk of arteries rupture because of the high pressure applied over those by the circulating blood. This can, in turn, affect the circulation of blood to all the parts of the body, and your heart itself. And, the latter part can lead you to some serious heart diseases. The high pressure applied over the heart walls can put you close to the risk of heart attack and heart failure.

6. What causes high blood pressure and low blood pressure?

The medical conditions of high blood pressure and low blood pressure are both effects of the lifestyle that we lead. This means that if we adapt to a lifestyle that is in line with our body and overall physical fitness, then we will have ideal blood pressure.

But, if our lifestyle is deviated from what we had started, some medical conditions can arise. High blood pressure and low blood pressure are some of those problems.

7. What are the risks of having high blood pressure?

The most serious risk that is faced by an individual that is suffering from high blood pressure is the risk of heart attack, heart failure, or some chronic disease related to the heart.

Moreover, there are also the additional risks of strokes, vision loss, diabetes, kidney failure, unresponsiveness to external stimuli, chronic chest pain, artery damage, and vascular dementia.

8. What can I do to lower my blood pressure?

To lower your blood pressure, the foremost step should be to limit the intake of sodium salts. Then, it will be good for you to opt for a healthy lifestyle; eat healthy meals and exercise daily. Try to maintain your weight to healthy proportions. Limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine-related beverages, and quit smoking.

Also, you need to have an adequate amount of rest every day and keep your stress and anxiety in proper check. If you continue to face high blood pressure problems even after making these changes in your lifestyle, it will be good for you to consult with a physiotherapist to discuss your blood pressure medications.

9. What are the risks of having low blood pressure?

The harmful effects that are associated with low blood pressure are not as prominent as what is associated with high blood pressure, but they can serve to be just as much harmful in the long run. Low blood pressure can lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, and confusion for a prolonged period.

This is a condition that can make you weak physically as well as mentally. Low blood pressure leads to a depletion in the effectiveness of motor senses, and the subject is likely to faint from time to time. This condition can also lead to blurred vision and can damage peripheral nerves over a long time.

10. What can I do to increase my blood pressure?

Increase the usage of table salts in your diet, and drink plenty of water. Limit your intake of alcohol as it is a dehydrating agent. Increase your diet by taking small meals multiple times with low carbs. Exercise daily and try to take up a lifestyle that will be good for your health and physical well-being.

Try to maintain a body weight that will be good as per your physical stature and age. Avoid changing positions abruptly, and wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in the legs. Also, consult a physiotherapist regarding your medications for low blood pressure.

11. Can smoking and alcohol affect my blood pressure?

Smoking and alcohol have an active impact on the blood pressure levels of an individual. These can lead to an effective change in the size of arteries that carry blood to all the parts of the body.

Heavy intake of alcohol can increase blood pressure in individuals to a significantly high level and this can even lead to long-term blood pressure issues in the individual. On the other hand, smoking is as bad as it can be. It leads to the contraction of blood vessels, which increases the pressure of blood over the heart walls. This puts you at risk of heart disease.

12. How to correctly check my blood pressure at home?

If you want to check your blood pressure at home, you can use portable blood pressure monitors to do so. These are highly adaptable and can help provide you with your blood pressure levels closest to accurate.

But if you are seeking precision in the readings, then it will be good if you were to follow certain measures. For once, avoid intake of caffeine and alcohol before taking the reading. And, have a proper rest of nearly 10 minutes before measuring your blood pressure.

13. Why is it important to visit a doctor to confirm high/low blood pressure?

It is important to visit a doctor regarding blood pressure for the sake of the precision of the outcome or the result of the readings. Moreover, in a proper medical facility and care of professionals, you will be able to get guidance about how to keep your blood pressure in check if it is not per your ideal blood pressure.

Also, you can get a consultation regarding the changes that you will need to make in your lifestyle to bring your blood pressure back in check.

14. Should you be worried about high blood pressure during pregnancy?

High blood pressure during the latter half of the pregnancy is not that rare of an occurrence. However, it is not something to make light of either. If not treated properly, or significant steps are not taken regarding it, this high blood pressure may pose danger to the health of the parent as well as the baby.

This type of high blood pressure or hypertension is called gestational hypertension, and it is not long-lasting. It goes away after the delivery of the baby.

15. What are some of the symptoms to watch out for in high blood pressure?

The symptoms of high blood pressure are not something that can be ignored readily. These symptoms include severe headache, anxiety attacks, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, blood spots in the eyes, intense fatigue, blurred or distorted vision, and vomiting or nausea. These symptoms are not something to be taken lightly.

High blood pressure is not an incurable problem, but measures are needed to be taken against it in the due time. So, don’t make light of the symptoms and consult a physiotherapist regarding these.

16. What foods should you eat to lower blood pressure?

To lower blood pressure eat a diet that is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Besides this, it is good to take short meals that are low in curbs. Instead of deep-fried products, it will be good if you were to incline towards a diet that is mainly consisting of vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and other leafy green vegetables.

Consume lots of low-fat poultry and dairy products. These will help enable a healthy diet for you and help you lean towards a healthy lifestyle.

17. What are the best herbs and spices for high blood pressure?

Many known herbs and spices are proven to have a significant effect on high blood pressure. Significantly, basil, parsley, Chinese cat’s claw, celery seeds, Brahmi, thyme, garlic, and ginger are the herbs that are most commonly made use of by people that are suffering from high blood pressure. Along with these, cardamom, cloves, ajwain, green oat, and flaxseeds are the spices that help manage high blood pressure.

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How to reduce blood pressure without drugs

A few simple ways from a well-known Russian cardiologist MOST KNOW ABOUT THE DISEASE, BUT ALMOST HALF OF THE CITIZENS ARE TREATED INDEPENDENTLY And risk getting complications in the form of strokes, heart attacks, etc. Meanwhile, doctors know effective ways to deal with high blood pressure. And sometimes they are quite simple. Martin Holle, a German cardiologist at the Technical University of Munich, has named simple ways to lower blood pressure without drugs. To do this, you need to eat less bread, cheese and sausage, salty, but more vegetables and walk at least 15 minutes daily. But running or cycling is not useful at all. Well-known Russian cardiologist, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Department of Hospital Therapy at Sechenov University Yuri BELENKOV is convinced that another way is more effective in Russia. When and how to reduce pressure?

VISIT THE CARDIOLOGIST – Yuri Nikitich, many are sure that 140 is almost normal pressure. – According to international recommendations, ideally a person should have a pressure of 120 over 80 at any age. There is a concept of high normal pressure – no more than 130 to 80-85. Anything higher, that is, 140 to 90 or more, is already hypertension. With the exception of people 75 years of age and older, who have a pronounced narrowing of the carotid arteries that feed the brain. For them, the upper pressure limit is set to 140/90 or 145/95 mmHg Art., because lower pressure can lead to poor nutrition of the brain. – When do you need to reduce the pressure? – As long as a person has high normal pressure or borderline indicators, then any non-drug methods can be used – both diet and physical activity. I think that number one among these measures for our country is the complete cessation or a sharp reduction in alcohol and smoking. This is more effective than proper nutrition and exercise combined. If the pressure is stable at 150 and above, a healthy lifestyle alone will not solve the problem. You have to take medicine. And not when the pressure rises, but for prevention – so that it does not rise.

As a rule, all the medicines we prescribe begin to work after 2-3 hours, maximum 12 hours, and remain effective for 24-27 hours. So do not think that if you take a pill, you will immediately feel better. The medicine will begin to act only after a few hours. Yes, there are drugs like captopril that can be put under the tongue – and the pressure will drop in 10-15 minutes. But they are used in emergency cases at very high pressure. For planned treatment, it is better to use drugs that reduce pressure slowly and gradually. It is also important to remember: when the pressure has dropped to normal levels, you can not cancel the pills or reduce the dose. – Are there people with low blood pressure, they can not be treated? – If a woman is hypotonic, that is, she always had low blood pressure, say, 100-110 mm Hg. Art., then for her 130 is already high blood pressure. And she might need medication. Everything is individual. If a person feels unwell at a pressure of 140, drug therapy should be started. If relatives in the family had hypertension – mother, grandmother, etc., then a man is 35-40 years old, and a woman should visit a cardiologist before giving birth. Very often, women from such “hypertensive” families develop high blood pressure during pregnancy or after childbirth.

MORE MOVEMENT, LESS SALT – What are the proven and most effective non-drug treatments for hypertension? – “Beginners” hypertensive patients help physical exercise. When a person physically loads himself – within reasonable limits and in accordance with age – as a rule, the pressure after the load decreases. But this does not mean that you can eat four cutlets or a hamburger, and then go for a run and everything will be fine. Physical activity and proper nutrition work together. Choose what brings you pleasure. I always tell the wives of my patients: if your husband loves to walk, there is no need to force him to play tennis, he loves to swim in the pool – do not force him to ride a bike. The load level should be such that it does not exceed the maximum heart rate recommended by the cardiologist, for example, 120-130 beats per minute. To do this, regularly measure the pulse. Should salt be limited? – We introduce salt restrictions – a salt-free diet – only for severe hypertensive patients who have kidney damage. Simply removing the salt will not cure hypertension. Sodium is needed in the body. However, do not exceed the daily requirement for salt – it is about 5 g, or half a teaspoon. Usually we get this rate by using products that we buy in the store. Therefore, we can recommend simply not adding salt to ready-made dishes.

NAVAGA AGAINST LOBSTER – Is the Mediterranean diet also effective for preventing high blood pressure? – Yes, but there is nothing tricky in it. It is called Mediterranean because it was first described in the Mediterranean region. But this does not mean that you need to eat lobsters and avocados with pineapples. We use ordinary vegetables – garlic, onions (mind you, I started with them), tomatoes, cucumbers. In addition, olives, olive oil, but you can also use ordinary sunflower or linseed, rapeseed. From seafood – ordinary fish. The further north it is, the better. The most useful is the one that the cat loves – that is, not salmon, but some kind of low-fat fish. Optimally – cod (cheap saffron cod and blue whiting, by the way, also from the cod family). You can eat durum wheat spaghetti. Plus wholemeal bread. And no buns and cakes, of course. That’s the whole Mediterranean diet. In general, if your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar are normal, then you don’t need to torment yourself with diets. You can eat everything – within reason.

Source: Arguments and Facts

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A few simple ways from a well-known Russian cardiologist MOST KNOW ABOUT THE DISEASE, BUT ALMOST HALF OF THE CITIZENS ARE TREATED INDEPENDENTLY And risk getting complications in the form of strokes, heart attacks, etc. Meanwhile, doctors know effective ways to deal with high blood pressure. And sometimes they are quite simple. Martin Holle, a German cardiologist at the Technical University of Munich, has named simple ways to lower blood pressure without drugs. To do this, you need to eat less bread, cheese and sausage, salty, but more vegetables and walk at least 15 minutes daily. But running or cycling is not useful at all. Well-known Russian cardiologist, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Department of Hospital Therapy at Sechenov University Yuri BELENKOV is convinced that another way is more effective in Russia. When and how to reduce pressure?

VISIT THE CARDIOLOGIST – Yuri Nikitich, many are sure that 140 is almost normal pressure. – According to international recommendations, ideally a person should have a pressure of 120 over 80 at any age. There is a concept of high normal pressure – no more than 130 to 80-85. Anything higher, that is, 140 to 90 or more, is already hypertension. With the exception of people 75 years of age and older, who have a pronounced narrowing of the carotid arteries that feed the brain. For them, the upper pressure limit is set to 140/90 or 145/95 mmHg Art., because lower pressure can lead to poor nutrition of the brain. – When do you need to reduce the pressure? – As long as a person has high normal pressure or borderline indicators, then any non-drug methods can be used – both diet and physical activity. I think that number one among these measures for our country is the complete cessation or a sharp reduction in alcohol and smoking. This is more effective than proper nutrition and exercise combined. If the pressure is stable at 150 and above, a healthy lifestyle alone will not solve the problem. You have to take medicine. And not when the pressure rises, but for prevention – so that it does not rise.

As a rule, all the medicines we prescribe begin to work after 2-3 hours, maximum 12 hours, and remain effective for 24-27 hours. So do not think that if you take a pill, you will immediately feel better. The medicine will begin to act only after a few hours. Yes, there are drugs like captopril that can be put under the tongue – and the pressure will drop in 10-15 minutes. But they are used in emergency cases at very high pressure. For planned treatment, it is better to use drugs that reduce pressure slowly and gradually. It is also important to remember: when the pressure has dropped to normal levels, you can not cancel the pills or reduce the dose. – Are there people with low blood pressure, they can not be treated? – If a woman is hypotonic, that is, she always had low blood pressure, say, 100-110 mm Hg. Art., then for her 130 is already high blood pressure. And she might need medication. Everything is individual. If a person feels unwell at a pressure of 140, drug therapy should be started. If relatives in the family had hypertension – mother, grandmother, etc., then a man is 35-40 years old, and a woman should visit a cardiologist before giving birth. Very often, women from such “hypertensive” families develop high blood pressure during pregnancy or after childbirth.

MORE MOVEMENT, LESS SALT – What are the proven and most effective non-drug treatments for hypertension? – “Beginners” hypertensive patients help physical exercise. When a person physically loads himself – within reasonable limits and in accordance with age – as a rule, the pressure after the load decreases. But this does not mean that you can eat four cutlets or a hamburger, and then go for a run and everything will be fine. Physical activity and proper nutrition work together. Choose what brings you pleasure. I always tell the wives of my patients: if your husband loves to walk, there is no need to force him to play tennis, he loves to swim in the pool – do not force him to ride a bike. The load level should be such that it does not exceed the maximum heart rate recommended by the cardiologist, for example, 120-130 beats per minute. To do this, regularly measure the pulse. Should salt be limited? – We introduce salt restrictions – a salt-free diet – only for severe hypertensive patients who have kidney damage. Simply removing the salt will not cure hypertension. Sodium is needed in the body. However, do not exceed the daily requirement for salt – it is about 5 g, or half a teaspoon. Usually we get this rate by using products that we buy in the store. Therefore, we can recommend simply not adding salt to ready-made dishes.

NAVAGA AGAINST LOBSTER – Is the Mediterranean diet also effective for preventing high blood pressure? – Yes, but there is nothing tricky in it. It is called Mediterranean because it was first described in the Mediterranean region. But this does not mean that you need to eat lobsters and avocados with pineapples. We use ordinary vegetables – garlic, onions (mind you, I started with them), tomatoes, cucumbers. In addition, olives, olive oil, but you can also use ordinary sunflower or linseed, rapeseed. From seafood – ordinary fish. The further north it is, the better. The most useful is the one that the cat loves – that is, not salmon, but some kind of low-fat fish. Optimally – cod (cheap saffron cod and blue whiting, by the way, also from the cod family). You can eat durum wheat spaghetti. Plus wholemeal bread. And no buns and cakes, of course. That’s the whole Mediterranean diet. In general, if your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar are normal, then you don’t need to torment yourself with diets. You can eat everything – within reason.

Source: Arguments and Facts

First aid for high blood pressure

Reading time: 6 minutes

Content:

What causes high blood pressure?
What pressure is considered high and dangerous?
Why is a sharp increase in blood pressure dangerous?
What should I do if my blood pressure is high?
How to prevent high blood pressure?

Doctors call a sharp increase in blood pressure (BP) a hypertensive crisis – this is a really critical condition, it can be dangerous, therefore it requires an ambulance call ¹ . It can be faced by hypertensive patients who are used to taking pills to normalize blood pressure, as well as people who have not had such problems before ⁵ .

What to do with high blood pressure? What to do before the arrival of the medical team? What mistakes should be avoided? We will answer these questions in the article.

What causes high blood pressure?

The level of blood pressure depends on three main factors – the tone of small arteries, the amount of fluid in the bloodstream and heart contractions ¹ . All this determines the pressure that the walls of the vessels experience while blood flows through them ⁶ . In hypertensive patients, the regulation of these processes is disturbed: there is a tendency to spasm of the arteries, fluid retention in the body and / or more active work of the heart. Therefore, even ordinary situations that are not dangerous for a healthy person can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure in hypertensive patients ¹ .

The following factors can provoke a hypertensive crisis ² :

• emotional overstrain;
• intense physical activity;
• prolonged mental work without rest, especially if it is associated with great responsibility;
• lack of sleep;
• drinking large amounts of water or salty foods;
• weather changes, fluctuations in air temperature;
• prolonged sun exposure;
• loud noises, bright lights that cause overexertion;
• excessive consumption of coffee;
• smoking a large number of cigarettes;
• certain food.

Did you know that…

Some types of cheese, such as cheddar, are high in tyramine. Once in the body, it stimulates the production of stress hormones (catecholamines), and they, in turn, cause a spasm of the arteries, provoking an increase in pressure (arterial hypertension) ² .

But most often, a pronounced rise in blood pressure is due to the fact that a person forgets to take the drugs prescribed by the doctor, or stops taking them on his own, believing that since the pressure does not “jump” anymore, then he can not take medications ^3.5 . Poor adherence to treatment of arterial hypertension increases the risk of hypertensive crisis by 6 times ³ .

What pressure is considered high and dangerous?

The main and mandatory feature of a hypertensive crisis is a sharp increase in blood pressure to individually high (higher than usual) values ​​within minutes, a maximum of several hours ⁴ . For example, in humans, blood pressure usually reaches the level of 150/95 mm Hg. Art., but he does not feel any complaints at the same time. And with a rapid increase to 160/100 mm Hg. Art. or higher, various unpleasant symptoms occur.

For young people, even a small rise in blood pressure can be dangerous, while in the elderly, symptoms of a crisis are sometimes absent even with high numbers ⁴ . Therefore, first of all, pay attention to your well-being.

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Why is a sudden increase in blood pressure dangerous?

With a rapid and sudden rise in blood pressure, “under the gun” are target organs – the heart, blood vessels, brain or kidneys. They are involved in the regulation of blood pressure in the normal. But when it “jumps” sharply, the mechanisms of blood flow regulation fail ^1,2 . Then the blood supply to the target organs is disturbed – the blood flows either little or in excess. In both cases, the function of the organ is impaired ² .

In an uncomplicated crisis, the person is disturbed ⁵ :

• headache;
• dizziness;
• nausea;
• muscle tremors;
• increased sweating;
• red spots on the skin;
• heartbeat;
• by the end of the crisis – copious excretion of urine;
• sometimes profuse loose stools.

In severe cases (with a complicated course), dangerous complications can develop – stroke, myocardial infarction, retinal detachment ¹ . The first signs of these conditions may be confusion, fainting, vomiting, chest pain, choking, numbness, or impaired speech ^1.5 .

When to call an ambulance?

It is impossible to know in advance whether a crisis will be limited to mild symptoms or lead to complications. Therefore, with any increase in pressure, you need to consult a specialist.

Be sure to call an ambulance if ⁵ :

• this is the first case of high blood pressure;
• you are a “experienced” hypertensive patient;
• you are over 60 years old;
• you are pregnant;
• you have a chronic disease (autoimmune disease, kidney disease or hormonal disorders).

What should I do if my blood pressure is high?

If you feel unwell, you need to measure your blood pressure. At values ​​of 160/90 mm Hg. Art. and above, take the drugs prescribed by your doctor in case of a sharp increase in blood pressure ⁷ .

A hypertensive crisis can strike you anytime, anywhere. If you have a tendency to hypertension, it is advisable to form an individual mini-first aid kit and carry it with you at all times. In the first-aid kit, you need to put the drugs that the doctor recommended to take as first aid for high blood pressure ⁷ .

However, in a hypertensive crisis, “regular” tablets, or rather, their usual dosage, may be ineffective, especially if the “upper” pressure is above 200 mm Hg. Art.. Therefore, be sure to call an ambulance ⁷ .

While waiting for a specialist , you can use the following tips:

• postpone any classes ⁶ ;
• remove bright light ⁷ ;
• open shirt collar ⁷ ;
• to supply fresh air, ventilate the room ⁷ ;
• sit in a chair with armrests ⁷ ;
• dip your feet, preferably in a container of hot water ⁷ ;
• breathe slowly ⁶ ;
• you can have a cup of sweet tea ⁷ .

What not to do if your blood pressure is high

Check your blood pressure again 40-60 minutes after taking the medicine recommended by your doctor. If its level has decreased by 20-30 mm Hg. Art. from the initial and / or your health has improved, you can lie down on a bed with a raised headboard. Write down which drug and at what dosage you have taken – this information should be reported to the doctor ⁷ .

How to prevent high blood pressure?

The hypertensive crisis is over, but this does not mean that the pressure is under control. In order to prevent its increase again, you must follow all the instructions of the attending physician. Get ready to change your habits.

In case of hypertension it is recommended:

• limit salt, coffee and alcohol intake ¹ ;
• be physically active ¹ ;
• stop smoking ¹ ;
• sleep 7-9 hours ⁶ ;
• use stress management techniques (walking outdoors, listening to music, engaging in a hobby that brings pleasure, trying breathing techniques or meditation) ⁶ ;
• avoid fatty and very sweet foods ⁶ ;
• eat more foods containing potassium and magnesium ¹ .

Did you know that…

Potassium and magnesium help prevent high blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Potassium counteracts the vasoconstrictive effect of sodium, which comes with table salt. It also reduces the sensitivity of blood vessels to hormones that cause arterial spasm. Magnesium provides an optimal level of potassium inside the cells and promotes vasodilation ⁸ .

Adequate intake of potassium and magnesium is one way to prevent complications associated with hypertension. In addition, the use of potassium and magnesium preparations makes it possible to enhance the effects of drugs used to control pressure ⁸ .

Panangin® is a preparation that contains potassium and magnesium with aspartic acid. The latter increases the permeability of cells to magnesium and potassium, and these trace elements are better absorbed. Potassium and magnesium help strengthen the heart muscle, control blood pressure and heart rate. Panangin® is a regular nutrition for the heart, which helps to make it stronger and keep life full ⁹ .

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References:

1. Roitberg G.E., Strutynsky A.V. Internal illnesses. Cardiovascular system: textbook. allowance. M. : MEDpress-inform, 2019. – 904 p. :
2. Okorokov A. N. Diagnosis of diseases of the heart and blood vessels Volume 7. M .: Med.lit., 2003 – 416 p.
3. Yevsyutina Yu.V. Hypertensive crisis in modern guidelines: how to avoid errors in diagnosis and treatment. Based on the materials of the congress “Man and medicine” and III cardio-summit. Archive of internal medicine. 2019; 9(6): 407-412.
4. Filippova O.V. Crisis course of arterial hypertension at the prehospital stage: patient management algorithm. breast cancer. 2018; 1(II): 76–81.
5. Algorithms for managing a patient with arterial hypertension and hypertensive crisis. Publication of the Russian Society of Cardiology.