HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE IT'S TO LATE.High Blood Pressure what is it? Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your arteries. Systolic pressure is the measurement of when your heart beats, pushing the blood out to the arteries. Diastolic pressure is when your heart is at rest. A reading is written Systolic/Diastolic as in 120/80. Some people say this is a normal blood pressure which is not exactly correct. Normal being the exact center between two extremes, it is within "normal range". Your blood pressure can be lower or slightly higher and still be normal.Your Doctor needs to make the determination. So if you are taking your own blood pressure and it is slightly higher do not get to excited or stress over it. Ask your Doctor when you see him. A reading of 140/90 or higher is considered high blood pressure. When you take your own blood pressure be sure you are doing it correctly. Sit down, relax for a few minutes then take it with your arm slightly elevated. The cuff should be higher than your heart. If you smoke do not take it immediately after smoking. Same goes for drinking coffee or tea or anything high in caffeine. What affects your blood pressure? The amount of salt and water you have in your body. Kidney functions or condition. Your blood vessels and nervous system, and levels of different hormones. High Blood Pressure is not caused by one single thing, and generally your Doctor will not be able to determine the cause of it. There is a long list of things that can cause Secondary High Blood Pressure. Such as: Anxiety and stress Appetite suppressants Arteriosclerosis Birth control pills Certain cold medicines Cocaine use Cushings syndrome Diabetes Kidney disease Migraine medicines Obesity Pain There is also another cause.It is called White Coat syndrome and happens when you go for a doctors visit. If you monitor your pressure at home and when you go in for an appointment your blood pressure is higher than the readings you are getting ask to have your pressure taken again. Generally if you take it midway thru visit or just before leaving you are more relaxed and this reading should be closer to what you normally get at home. If it is not you need to check your cuff at home to be sure batteries are fresh and also have someone else take it for you, you might not be getting a true reading at home. Symptoms Symptoms that may occur include: * Confusion * Chest pain * Ear noise or buzzing * Irregular heartbeat * Nosebleed * Tiredness * Vision changes (blurred) If you have these symptoms or a combination of these and get a severe headache see your Doctor immediately. Your Doctor can preform a range of tests and exams to determine if you do have High Blood Pressure. Treatment Medicines include: * Alpha blockers * Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors * Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) * Beta-blockers * Calcium channel blockers * Central alpha agonists * Diuretics * Renin inhibitors, including aliskiren (Tekturna) * Vasodilators High Blood Pressure is very treatable. You can also take preventive measures. Such as not smoking and losing weight if over weight. Daily exercise is also very important. Even if you just go for a walk every day or ride a bike, even a stationary bike will help. Different natural remedies also work very well. Do not take these a long with medications your Doctor gives you. Ask your Doctor about trying natural remedies before doing so. Which of these really work? It all depends, somethings work for some and not others. Here are a few I know that have worked well for different people. Garlic fresh or capsules Mangosteen juice Omega 3 fish oil Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) Dash Diet DO NOT TAKE Ephedra Asian Ginseng Both of these are known to raise your blood pressure. Speak with your Doctor before taking these or any other home remedy. If you are using home remedies for any reason inform your Doctors when they ask what medications you are on.This is extremely important especially if you are going to have any type of surgery. Please, remember I am NOT a Doctor and this just information to help you be more informed about High Blood Pressure.
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