High Blood Pressure Medicine

Are Calcium Channel Blockers A Good High Blood Pressure Medicine?

2006-12-21T11:35:00.000-08:00

Some medicines affect blood pressure health as calcium channel blockers. "Calcium channel blockers help keep your blood vessels from constricting (becoming narrow) by blocking calcium from entering your cells" . The medication may be good for people having a tendency to build too much calcium. However, since many post-menopausal and elderly people suffer from osteoporosis, personal physicians will determine whether the calcium channel blockers are the proper choice.

For the individuals who cannot take calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers are another possible solution to high blood pressure. "Alpha-blockers help relax your blood vessels by reducing nerve impulses. This allows your blood to pass through more easily". Nerve impulses can constrict blood vessels, forcing high blood pressure. In order to provide adequate circulation, blood puts more pressure on the constricted artery walls. However, like all medications, only a qualified physician can determine the best medicine for each individual case.

Once a doctor determines the best high blood pressure medicines for an individual case, the patient is required to carefully adhere dosing instructions. While some medications like acid blockers can be taking before a meal, at varying times of the day, high blood pressure medications require a strict regiment. In order for the medication to work properly, the patient must never forget to take the recommended dosage. High blood pressure medicine controls the problem, but is not a cure. Forgetting to take a pill will result in a return to pre-medication conditions.

Tags: High Blood Pressure Medicine, Illness, Medical, Calcium Channel Blockers, Alpha Blockers

Tips For Identifying High Blood Pressure Symptoms

2006-11-26T05:10:00.000-08:00

By Aasheesh Jain

Tip! Damage to cerebral tissues, resulting in convulsions, ataxia or impaired speech. Even brain death may occur in those patients with severe high blood pressure.

1 in 3 American adults has high blood pressure. According to National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, when your systolic pressure of blood is greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure of blood is greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg, you are medically suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension.

However, you may or may not observe hypertension symptoms even at this level. Thus high blood pressure is rightly termed as a silent killer. Many a times, it takes a substantial time to identify the prevailing high blood pressure condition in the person.

Now, these are the cases of uncomplicated hypertension that reflect no or very few symptoms of high blood pressure. Medically, these cases wherein particularly no cause is identified are termed as cases of essential hypertension.

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

However if your hypertension is a result of some particular condition or medication, you ought to show certain symptoms. This type of high blood pressure is termed as secondary hypertension.

After you have identified your condition, you require to treat it with the combo of lifestyle changes and prescribed medications.

The required lifestyle changes for controlling your high blood pressure include following a diet that is low in sodium. You can achieve this by putting less salt content in your food preparation. Also, adopt good habits such as exercising regularly, stopping smoking, shunning extra pounds and avoiding intake of excessive alcohol.

Well, to understand high blood pressure, you need to understand your body. Blood pressure has no defined symptoms. Meet your doctor if you experience frequent headaches, blurry or impaired vision or sudden black-outs. Excessive perspiration, too much urination, irregular heartbeat or palpitation and feeling weakness are the other sub-ways that can lead you to high blood pressure.

Be more careful if you have any of these signs repeatedly bothering you. These conditions are not the result of high blood pressure, but they can take you to the pedestal of blood pressure.

Tip! ) Reduced sodium intake - You should eat no more than 5 grams of sodium in a day, if you have high blood pressure, which is 5,000 mgs. The closer to natural that you eat, the less sodium the food contains.

Along these lifestyle changes, you need to be committed towards the prescribed anti hypertension medications. Never skip the prescribed doses of medicines even for a day. The blood pressure medication mainly depends on several factors such as your age and ethnicity. The commonly prescribed medicines for high pressure include ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, diuretics and beta-blockers.

All in all, have a strict routine with both the medicines as well as the lifestyle changes. Make it a habit to check your blood pressure regularly at home. In fact buy a digital blood pressure monitor and note down the readings to maintain a record of blood pressure levels. This will further help you keep a strict vigil over your blood pressure condition. This is important, for most of the people do not show any symptoms as such.

Tip! Depression, though not directly related to high blood pressure, is often one of the consequences when hypertension begins to affect the body's organs and the health issues become more complicated.

http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/ & Blood Pressure Symptoms provides detailed information on blood pressure, causes of blood pressure, blood pressure symptoms and more.

Prevalence of High Blood Pressure

2006-11-25T05:18:00.000-08:00

By Michael Russell

Tip! Age - it is common for high blood pressure to increase with age. Therefore older people are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are younger.

There is no evidence that average blood pressure in the whole of the general population has risen over the seventy or so years over which measurements are available. There is some indirect evidence that it may be lowered and may still be falling quite independently of medical treatment. Whatever the definition of high blood pressure used, the proportion of people with high blood pressure is directly related to average pressure throughout the population.

Standardized and accurate measurements of blood pressure for large representative populations have only been available since the 1950s in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and the United States and more recently for other countries. There is some evidence from countries whose general diet has shifted from very high to much lower salt intakes - specifically Japan, Belgium and Portugal - that average blood pressure in the general population has fallen, probably for this reason. These reductions in salt intake reflect shifts in methods of food preservation from the traditional methods of salting, pickling and smoking to the modern methods of refrigeration and rapid transport of fresh food. As these changes have occurred in most economically developed countries, average blood pressure has probably fallen everywhere, compared with average levels in the 19th century.

Tip! Diet - a diet high in fat and sugar can cause blood pressure to rise. The healthier the diet, the less risk there is of high blood pressure and of blood pressure related disease.

Research in the USA has always shown higher average blood pressures in poorer people. Although research in this country in the 1950s and 1960s failed to show any systematic difference between social groups, this seemed to have changed by the 1980s, with higher average blood pressure in poorer populations throughout the UK. These differences in average blood pressures are not too large, but differences in other risk factors for heart disease show the same trend. Although there is some evidence that coronary heart disease became common after World War I and that it started among rich people, ever since the 1950s it has more and more become a disease for poorer people. This is partly because of the difference in smoking habits, but some of the changes to the pattern may now be caused by these variations in average blood pressure and perhaps by access to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

It should be noted that blood pressure also varies between races and different sorts of societies, but why it does is not an easy question to answer. A number of different factors have been considered. High blood pressure is a serious problem throughout black Africa and black people in North America have much higher blood pressure and stroke problems than Caucasians. However, the differences between black and white North Americans disappear if differences in income are taken into consideration. In the 1960s and 1970s, comparisons between British citizens of Afro-Caribbean and European descent showed no differences, but more recent studies have begun to show the same differences an in the USA.

These differences are evident in the social aspect, rather than racial and social differences in average blood pressure seem to depend mainly on income differences. When North American incomes were much more polarized than British incomes, social differences in the average blood pressure were much higher in the USA than in the UK, but there is evidence that as these societies converge, social differences in average blood pressure are becoming similar in the two countries.

Tip! Family history - a history of high blood pressure in your family can put you into a high risk group of having high blood pressure. It is common for high blood pressure to be passed down from generation to generation.

Recent changes in the national health care system contract for general practitioners should have led to most people with high blood pressure being identified, although it is much more doubtful whether most of these are followed up with effective treatment. If all general practice teams developed cardiovascular follow-up clinics for high blood pressure on the same lines as the best have already done and all their patients were treated to the level of quality attained in large clinical trials, an additional 15% of fatal strokes would be prevented and probably 5% of coronary heart disease.

How To Cure High Blood Pressure. The Cure of High Blood Pressure without Drugs and their Harmful Side Effects.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Blood Pressure

Winning Over High Blood Pressure

2006-11-24T05:09:00.000-08:00

By Javier Fuller

Tip! Damage to cerebral tissues, resulting in convulsions, ataxia or impaired speech. Even brain death may occur in those patients with severe high blood pressure.

There is direct relation between alcohol and blood pressure. Not a happy relationship. You pay for the alcohol and buy blood pressure and again pay for treating the blood pressure! The double loss game!

This is just one strong reason. The disease of blood pressure is due to various other reasons. The crush of the materialistic modern civilization is too much to bear in the metropolitan cities. The modern modes of relaxation have capacity to create further tension! Take for example, one of the entertainment utility-Television!

If you view the News Channel, your mind is likely to get more agitated. Instead of peace of mind, you get piece of mind!

These problems are interrelated and it is difficult to segregate the cause and effect, once you are trapped. For example, too much of alcohol, is the cause of high blood pressure. It is also responsible for weight increase.

Tip! Age - it is common for high blood pressure to increase with age. Therefore older people are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are younger.

Weight increase in itself is the cause of blood pressure. If you take medication for weight loss, again it has the potentialities for side effects. To treat the side effects, your doctor will again give some more medicines. The vicious cycle goes on. You will soon reach a stage, where you suffer form all sorts of deficiencies and diseases.

Blood pressure is only the cover. It has a solid back-up. Many serious, life-threatening diseases are waiting in the side-wings to take over once you are a patient of high blood pressure. They are heart diseases, heart attack, kidney failure, nervous breakdown and many others.

Forget medications for a while. I am not telling you that they are of no use. But the strategy of the moment is to change your lifestyle. Change in your food habits. Think positively that you are capable of beating blood pressure. Just give up junk food for ever. That is one of the contributing factors for your constipation, which again is one of the reasons for increase in your blood pressure.

Tip! Diet - a diet high in fat and sugar can cause blood pressure to rise. The healthier the diet, the less risk there is of high blood pressure and of blood pressure related disease.

If you are taking more than 2 spoonfuls salt per day, it is time to cut it. Give up processed foods and switch over to fruits and vegetables. Limit the sweets. Have a regular schedule of exercises. Meditation, breathing exercises, cycling, jogging, brisk walking, all these count a lot in reducing your blood pressure.

Along with the changed habits, develop a habit of thinking positively. Your supreme will power can cure any type of blood pressure.

http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/ & High Blood Pressure provides detailed information on blood pressure, blood pressure monitor, blood pressure measurement, high blood pressure and more.

Some Easy Life Style Changes Will Help You Cut High Blood Pressure

2006-11-22T05:14:00.000-08:00

By Javier Fuller

Tip! Eating red grapefruits is one of the best high blood pressure remedies there is. Eat several a day, if possible.

2061

Don't always look up. Look down sometimes. Watch the bulge of your stomach. It has been faithfully receiving the load, three or more times in a day, without questioning you once. But there is a limit to one's tolerance or acceptance. When your body shrinks too much or expands too much, positively think that something is wrong somewhere.

Over the years, your life-style has changed too much. For your trouser, you require two meters of cloth. Years ago, it was just 1.25 meters. The change is on the wrong side. And did your doctor say that you are having high blood pressure?

So far, you have been thinking that lifestyle changes refer only to your apparel. Or, to install additional amenities to make your life more cozy and comfortable. You thought that a 'healthy' and well built personality like you is not a fit candidate for the blood pressure attack! The first attack itself nearly wiped out the sources of strength in your body. You felt tired and exhausted.

Tip! Diet - a diet high in fat and sugar can cause blood pressure to rise. The healthier the diet, the less risk there is of high blood pressure and of blood pressure related disease.

Yours could be the stress related blood pressure. Could be! Not sure! This again is another highlight of blood pressure. Till today, the precise reasons for blood pressure are not known. But lifestyle changes have treated very well, majority of the high blood pressure patients. So, when the result is declared that you have passed, why worry about the examiner and the examination center?

Go placidly amidst this noise and din of life. Do not own up too many responsibilities. Everything is happening in this world, as it should. The earth rotates on its axis. Don't consider yourself so important that you are an additional axis. By managing your stress properly, you will not only take care of your blood pressure, but your quality of life will also improve.

Enough of that late night alcohol parties! If you still persist, in not too a distant future one of your still living friend will announce in a sad tone, 'the late Mr. so and so,' used to attend these late night parties!

Tip! Alcohol - studies have shown that people who drink the equivalent of three or more glasses of alcohol a day are three times more likely to have high blood pressure than non drinkers.

I am going to tell you some simple things to beat back blood pressure. Exercise regularly, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, meditate and do some breathing exercises. And report to me the miracles that are taking place in your life!

http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/ & High Blood Pressure provides detailed information on blood pressure, blood pressure monitor, blood pressure measurement, high blood pressure and more.

High Blood Pressure Alternative Treatment - Supplements and Lifestyle DO Make a BIG Difference

2006-11-21T05:09:00.000-08:00

By Paul Newland

Hypertension affects over 20% of the population and more and more people are now looking to high blood pressure alternative treatments and lifestyle changes to improve their health. In fact, if you read about the side-effects of your current medication, I'm sure you will be tempted to take a look at alternative treatments as well.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the resistance the blood encounters as it is pumped through the arteries. Blood pressure is represented as the systolic pressure (when the heart is contracting) over the diastolic pressure (the pause before the next beat).

If your resting blood pressure is consistently over 140/80, you have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is not actually a disease but is an indicator of increased risk of stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. It is also associated with coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, kidney problems, obesity, diabetes, food allergies and endocrine gland problems which cause hormone imbalances.

According to health and longevity expert, Dr Joel Wallach, when considering a high blood pressure alternative treatment the most common reason for high blood pressure is a calcium deficiency. As a result, people suffering calcium deficiency diseases - such as osteoporosis, arthritis, kidney stones, muscle cramps and twitches etc - also suffer from high blood pressure.

It can be a silent disease, however other symptoms can include dizziness, a red face, headaches, fatigue and ringing in the ears.

Diet and Lifestyle for High Blood Pressure Alternative Treatment

There are some lifestyle and dietary changes you can make, starting immediately:

� Drink approximately eight glasses of water per day.

� Quit smoking and avoid caffeinated drinks.

� Consume a high fibre, low fat diet with plenty of vegetables.

Tip! Age - it is common for high blood pressure to increase with age. Therefore older people are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are younger.

� Avoid sugar, refined flour, fried foods and margarine.

� Reduce your intake of red meat.

� If you're overweight - you need to lose weight and finally,

� Stress management can also have a dramatic affect and is being used by a number of medical practitioners.

Health Supplements for High Blood Pressure Alternative Treatment

Natural health supplements for helping high blood pressure should include:

� Plant derived colloidal minerals - which contain a highly absorbable form of calcium and other minerals and

� Calcium and magnesium supplements can work well - make sure you buy something high quality because these two minerals are in fact very hard for the body to absorb

� Essential fatty acids as fish oil may reduce the 'stickiness' of the blood and help by reducing levels of 'bad cholesterol'.

� A good multivitamin complex is useful as a high blood pressure alternative treatment and should contain Coenzyme Q-10, antioxidant vitamins A, C & E and the herb Hawthorne Berry. These provide nutritional support for the cardiovascular system.

When combined with a sensible diet, weight loss and some exercise, you will be amazed at the results you can achieve without the use of heavy drugs.
Of course, we always recommend you work with your health care professional - in fact tell him or her you would like to start with a high blood pressure alternative treatment program. That way your medication can be monitored and reduced as the effects of lifestyle and nutrition begin to assist you on your way to better health.

Tip! Eating red grapefruits is one of the best high blood pressure remedies there is. Eat several a day, if possible.

Paul Newland is a health writer, sports training consultant and martial arts instructor and manages the Global-Longevity.com website.
He is the author of numerous health information books and guides, including the Wellness Report, The Ultimate Antioxidant Report, The Selenium Report, The Bird Flu Report, The Ultimate Nutrient Guide and The Essential Fatty Acid Report and The Ultimate Sports Nutrition Guide - available Free (for a limited time) through Global-Longevity.com

A Natural High Blood Pressure Recipe

2006-11-20T05:11:00.000-08:00

By Rudy Silva

Tip! Age - it is common for high blood pressure to increase with age. Therefore older people are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are younger.

If you have high blood pressure you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke. The amount of risk depends on how high your blood pressure is and how long it has been this way. Here is a range of blood pressures and how they rate:

Normal 120/80
Border 120/90 to 160/94
Mild 140/95 to 160/104
Moderate 140/105 to 180/114
Severe 160 plus/115 plus

Regardless what your blood pressure is, it is best to always watch your diet and become informed as to how you can maintain good health though out your body.

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

If you have high blood pressure, here is a high blood pressure recipe using natural products and foods. This recipe will not only help your high blood pressure but will improve your immune system.

High blood pressure responds well to natural remedies and methods. Many Alternative Practitioners recommend not using drugs for high blood pressure because they can be more dangerous to your health than the high blood pressure. High blood pressure drug side effects create an increase risk of heart disease.

Tip! Eating red grapefruits is one of the best high blood pressure remedies there is. Eat several a day, if possible.

A High Blood Pressure Recipe for Long Life

Here is a recipe to follow to lower your high blood pressure.

Use a good mineral supplement

Use Arjuna daily for good cardiovascular health

Exercise and lose weight

Reduce the fat you eat

Eat more fiber

Take a good fish oil supplement

Mineral Supplement for a high blood pressure recipe

The minerals calcium, potassium and magnesium have all been found to keep blood pressure low. These minerals and many more come from eating fruits and vegetables of all colors. Also drink fruit and vegetables juices alone or combined to get a strong dose of minerals that shoot quickly into your blood stream.

Tip! Activity - people who lead active lives are much less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart and artery disease.

Eat as many fruits and vegetables in the morning until noontime. This helps your body to get rid of toxins that affect your overall health.

Add these foods to your diet for minerals: bananas, figs, cantaloupe, apricots, avocados, cherries, grapes, mangos, beans, and sunflower seeds.

Exercise and Weight loss for a high blood pressure recipe

If you are overweight than losing weight and getting it into your ideal weight gives you the most benefits for lowing your blood pressure. Get into a daily exercise pattern. A treadmill or daily brisk walk will give you great benefits for lowering blood pressure.

Diet for a high blood pressure recipe

Here are some of the things that you should add or eliminate from your diet.

Reduce that amount of fat that you eat. By eating less meat you decrease the amount of fat you eat. Also eating less dairy products will decrease the amount of fat your body has to process.

Eat more fiber. You can get fiber from fruits and vegetables and bran. Eat a vegetable salad with your lunch and dinner.

Add a good fish oil supplement

Use the India herb called Arjuna. This herb is good for your complete cardiovascular system. It an inexpensive herb and it makes plenty of sense to use it.

Master this high blood pressure recipe and watch your blood pressure go down. Once you get it down, refine this recipe for more results and better health.

Rudy Silva is a Natural Nutritionist. For more tips and information on what you need to do to lower you high blood pressure or to make sure you don't get high blood pressure go to: http://www.high-blood-pressure-remedies.com

High Blood Pressure

2006-11-19T05:09:00.001-08:00

By Josh Riverside

Tip! Smoking - cigarette smoking does not cause high blood pressure. Smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the heart and increases the heart's demand for oxygen.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is measured in numbers based on the systolic and diastolic pressures of the blood. Systolic pressure measures the force in the arteries when the heart beats, while the diastolic pressure measures this force when the heart is at rest or relaxed. These measurements are shown in sequence from top to bottom - the systolic pressure measurement on top and the diastolic pressure measurement at the bottom.

A small, portable instrument called a blood pressure cuff or sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure. This consists of an air pump, a pressure gauge, and a rubber cuff and measures the blood pressure in units called millimeters of mercury. If your reading is 110/70, you don't have to worry because it is a healthy blood pressure. But if it is greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure, it means you have a high blood pressure, and you should seek medical attention.

Tip! Making sure you get enough calcium -- 2000 mg per day. Calcium is essential to bone density, but in relationship to blood pressure, it is believed that low calcium levels can actually cause high blood pressure.

What causes hypertension? For more than 90% of people with high blood pressure, the cause is unidentifiable. This is referred to as primary or essential hypertension. A secondary hypertension, on the other hand, has underlying causes that include diseases in the arteries, chronic kidney diseases, chronic alcohol abuse, hormonal disturbances and preeclampsia. Certain medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants can cause secondary hypertension.

How To Cure High Blood Pressure. The Cure of High Blood Pressure without Drugs and their Harmful Side Effects.

Many people do not take high blood pressure seriously. But little do they know that this is dangerous, because it causes the heart to work extra hard. You should be aware that the more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure will be. And once this becomes uncontrollable, you increase your risk of serious health problems such as heart attacks and stroke. So, why let this happen if you can do something about it? Only a simple test is needed to detect high blood pressure. Once you know your condition, work with your doctors to control it.

High Blood Pressure provides detailed information on High Blood Pressure, High Blood Pressure Symptoms, High Blood Pressure Treatments, High Blood Pressure Medications and more. High Blood Pressure is affiliated with Discount Hearing Aids.

High Blood Pressure

2006-11-19T05:09:00.000-08:00

By Josh Riverside

Tip! Age - it is common for high blood pressure to increase with age. Therefore older people are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are younger.

Tip! Activity - people who lead active lives are much less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart and artery disease.

2006-11-17T05:18:00.000-08:00

High Blood Pressure? Natural Alternatives Can Help!

By Roger Jirves

Tip! Diet - a diet high in fat and sugar can cause blood pressure to rise. The healthier the diet, the less risk there is of high blood pressure and of blood pressure related disease.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a dangerous condition that can lead= to stroke, enlarged heart, congestive heart failure, kidney and eye damage, atherosclerosis hardening of the arteries, and premature death.

According to a recent report released in The New England Journal of Medicine of 16,000 adults surveyed over the age of 24, nearly 30 percent had blood pressure of at least 140/90 and more than one-third of them were unaware of their condition.

How To Cure High Blood Pressure. The Cure of High Blood Pressure without Drugs and their Harmful Side Effects.

Blood pressure refers to the force of the bloodstream against the walls of the arteries as they deliver blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Normal, healthy blood pressure ranges from about 110/80 to as high as 140/90. The higher number refers to systolic pressure, which is the hearts contractions. The second number, the diastolic pressure, measures the rests between heartbeats. Here are the categories to consider when evaluating blood pressure:

Normal - Less than 140/90

Borderline - 141/91 to 159/94

Tip! Activity - people who lead active lives are much less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart and artery disease.

High - 160/95 or more

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Although there are still questions about the roots of essential hypertension, many researchers name two culprits: The typical American diet and lifestyle factors. Following are 9 major factors that can contribute to this potentially deadly condition:

1. High-fat, high-sodium diet . . . Interestingly, vegetarians who normally eat a low-fat, low-sodium diet have a profoundly lower incidence of hypertension than non-vegetarians.

2. Fat imbalance . . . Too much saturated fat in the diet. We need more essential fatty acids to help clear the system of fat solids.

3. Nutritional deficiencies . . . People whose diets are low in potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin C are at greater risk of hypertension.

4. Obesity . . . High blood pressure is almost six times more common among overweight people ages 20 to 44, and twice as common in those 45 to 74

5. Smoking . . . Chronic smoking decreases blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke.

6. Alcohol . . . Heavy drinking is another indicator of high blood pressure.

7. Stress . . . In many instances, stress can be the major factor causing high blood pressure.

8. Atherosclerosis . . . A buildup of fatty deposits can narrow the blood vessels, leading to a rise in blood pressure. The increased resistance means the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body, placing it under strain.

9. High sugar intake . . . People who had more sugar in their diet had markedly increased blood pressure.

Anti-Hypertensive Diet Guidelines

The following recommendations can help you keep your blood pressure at healthier levels:

Follow a low-fat diet.

Increase your intake of potassium, magnesium and calcium.

Reduce your intake of salt.

Restrict your consumption of refined sugars.

Exercise more often. Since excess body fat is a primary risk factor in hypertension, it is critical to maintain a healthy weight. The importance of regular exercise cannot be over-emphasized.

Essential Nutrient Intake What you eat has a powerful influence on your blood pressure as well as almost every other aspect of your health.

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

For most people, the sodium/potassium ratio is more significant than sodium alone. We should be consuming about five times more potassium than sodium (5:1), but the typical American diet includes half as much potassiumas sodium (1:2).

By eating more POTASSIUM-rich foods, you can reverse the ratio and promote healthy blood pressure. Foods such as bananas, oranges, tangerines, beans, dried peas, and potatoes provide a wealth of natural potassium.

MAGNESIUM is another vital nutrient for blood pressure. It is believed that magnesium activates the bodys cellular membrane pump, which pumps sodium out and potassium into the cells. Some clinical trials have shown that magnesium supplementation reduces blood pressure. Magnesium- rich foods include nuts (especially almonds, cashews, and pecans), rice, bananas, potatoes, wheat germ, kidney and lima beans, peas, soy products, molasses, oat, bran, and fish.

Tip! ) Increased exercise - 15 to 20 minutes after physical exercise both numbers in the blood pressure reading drop and even more so when a person has high blood pressure.

CALCIUM is important. People with high blood pressure are advised to increase Calcium intake and to eat more calcium-rich foods such as nuts, salmon, sardines, low-fat dairy foods, watercress, kale, broccoli, turnip greens, collard greens, and mustard greens.

Here is a list of other nutritional supplements that can help prevent high blood pressure:

HAWTHORNE is an herb that has been shown to widen blood vessels, especially the coronary arteries.

CAYENNE reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, which can lead to hypertension.

VALERIAN has sedative activity, which has a beneficial effect on blood pressure.

VITAMIN C supplementation has exerted a valuable blood-pressure-lowering effect in people by promoting the excretion of lead, which is linked to hypertension.

COQ10 shows promise for hypertensives. Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that naturally occurs in our bodies and can be supplemented to assure adequate daily intake.

Tip! Age - it is common for high blood pressure to increase with age. Therefore older people are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are younger.

GARLIC helps reduce cholesterol as well as blood pressure.

Summary . . . The consequences of untreated high blood pressure are too serious to go untreated. By making smart choices about the foods you eat, the intake of beneficial nutritional factors and your exercise regimen, you can help control your own blood pressure.

Roger Jirves an authorized dealer of the Vitamin Power line of Quality Nutritional Supplements and personal care products.

Your Blood Pressure Medication May be Promoting High Blood Pressure & Heart Disease

2006-11-16T18:34:00.000-08:00

Current statistics state that as many as 65 million Americans have high blood pressure (hypertension). The current main stay for treating hypertension is the use of medications. The most common types of medications used include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers. Though these medications can be helpful in the reduction of blood pressure, their long term use can cause a disruption of the vitamin and mineral balance in the body. Research is now showing that a disruption of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to elevations in blood pressure or an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.

read more about Blood Pressure Medications here

Combat High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol with Soybeans

2006-11-15T05:13:00.000-08:00

By Nicholas Webb

How To Cure High Blood Pressure. The Cure of High Blood Pressure without Drugs and their Harmful Side Effects.

You may have heard of the "Portfolio Diet" wherein it has been clinically accepted that increasing the intake of soy based foods can reduce levels of LDL cholesterol as much as some statin drugs.

Well, now it seems that soybeans have another health-giving quality: they also reduce blood pressure.

This latest finding is making quite a bit of noise in medical circles and not without reason. Can you imagine how hard the two largest drug markets (cholesterol and blood pressure) would be hit if the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology released a statement saying that soybeans can reduce bad cholesterol and control blood pressure? Just think about it. But that's where it will stop; in your thoughts. With all the lobbying power of the giant pharmaceutical industry, I seriously doubt that such a statement from an internationally recognized source will ever be released.

However, to date more than 40 clinical trials have clearly shown that soya protein can reduce cholesterol in men and women. The effective dose of soy protein per day appears to range between 25 and 50 grams. Now initial studies show that it is also useful in fighting high blood pressure.

Soybean protein lowers blood pressure

In a report from the Annals of Internal Medicine (July 2005), it seems that use of soybean protein dietary supplements may help reduce high blood pressure.

Soybean products have been commonplace in Asian diets for centuries, and soybeans, as well as its derivative products have long been available in our local health stores and supermarkets. Research has shown that food items like tofu and soymilk can reduce cholesterol levels and lower risks for cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. If we add the ability to fight high blood pressure to the list of illness and diseases that soy foods are able to combat, then we might just have a super disease killer on our hands.

In the study covered by the Annals, a group of American and Chinese researchers focused on 300 Chinese patients suffering from hypertension. One group was and given 40gms of soy protein while the second group was given wheat-based carbohydrates.

Tip! Alcohol - studies have shown that people who drink the equivalent of three or more glasses of alcohol a day are three times more likely to have high blood pressure than non drinkers.

The objective of the trial was to examine the effect of soybean protein supplementation on blood pressure in persons with pre-hypertension or Stage 1 hypertension. The results showed that Soybean protein supplementation resulted in a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. As such, increased intake of soybean protein may play an important role in preventing and treating hypertension.

The researchers of Tulane University, New Orleans say it's unclear how soybean products might reduce blood pressure. One theory is that soy proteins widen blood vessels while helping the body do a better job of processing blood sugar.

In a related editorial, Dr. Jeffrey A. Cutler and Dr. Eva Obarzanek of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, state that the new study provides "another important link between blood pressure and dietary macronutrient intake," but add that further studies are needed before soybean supplements can be recommended to patients with high blood pressure.

Tip! Age - it is common for high blood pressure to increase with age. Therefore older people are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are younger.

Soybeans, soymilk, tofu, bean sprouts, meat substitutes, cookies and even soy-based ice cream are all commonly available. Maybe it is better that you don't wait for the big medical institutions to start singing praises about soybeans. If you want an edge, perhaps now is the time to start making some changes to your diet. Throw in 40 minutes exercise four times a week and your high blood pressure will really take a dive.

About the author:
Nicholas Webb, of AllAbout Heart Disease, speaks and writes with a passion telling it is as it is; helping others to live life to the full. This article is extracted from his newsletter "The Web's Heart".

To subscribe, or read other articles visit The Web's Heart To learn more about how to beat heart disease and get into shape visit: http://www.AllAbout-Heart-Disease.com

High Blood Pressure Diet Guidelines

2006-11-14T05:08:00.000-08:00

By Kathryn Whittaker

Tip! Smoking - cigarette smoking does not cause high blood pressure. Smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the heart and increases the heart's demand for oxygen.

It is a well-known fact that heart diseases and excess body weight are related. Obesity, heavy alcohol consumption and lack of activity are the main factors causing high blood pressure. Too much body fat leads to an increased risk of health problems through clogging the blood vessels with cholesterol. That is why the successful treatment of high blood pressure starts with following a diet specifically aimed at reducing high blood pressure.

If you already have high blood pressure, you cannot reverse it to low permanently. Instead, you can control your high blood pressure by taking a prescribed medication and amending your diet. Research has shown that a high blood pressure diet can effectively prevent blood pressure from rising above normal.

Today, most of our meals still contain more fat than the government recommends, and most of the vending machines and fast-food options do not meet the nutritional standards set by the U.S. government. With fast-food snacks available at every corner, it's often hard to switch to a healthy diet.

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

High blood pressure diets are designed to decrease sodium, increase potassium, and lessen calories. This way you will maintain a reasonable weight. This diet consists of foods that are delicious and low in fat such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins.

Here are some simple tips to help you follow your high blood pressure diet guidelines:

1. Make sure you eat a healthy breakfast. Eating in the morning will increase your energy and will help you avoid snacks before lunch. A quick breakfast can be as easy as a bowl of cereal, a slice of whole-wheat toast, cereal bar or fresh fruit.

Tip! Eating red grapefruits is one of the best high blood pressure remedies there is. Eat several a day, if possible.

2. When following your high blood pressure diet, your daily food intake must include foods from five food groups:

� Protein: Eat meats that are lower in fat, such as chicken, turkey, tuna, or low-fat luncheon meats. Make salads with a low fat meat or vegetables and light salad dressing.

� Grains: Always try eating a whole wheat version of your favorite bread, be it a loaf, a bagel or a roll.

� Vegetables: Eat tomatoes, peppers, baby carrots and other colorful vegetables as many as you like. The brighter the vegetable, the more antioxidant vitamin A it contains.

� Fruits: Fruits should be eaten fresh. Fruit has fiber and healthy calories, and you will want to eat less during the day. Juice has fructose which fills up with energy. That's why juice should become a part of a healthy breakfast along with a cereal.

� Dairy: Try low-fat or non-fat milk, non-fat chocolate milk, and low-fat cheese. Basically, any type of cottage cheese or yogurt goes well with fruit.

If you want to avoid facing complicated and often life-threatening consequences of high blood pressure, you may want to ensure that you and your family eat healthy meals that don't pack on the pounds and raise your cholesterol.

How To Cure High Blood Pressure. The Cure of High Blood Pressure without Drugs and their Harmful Side Effects.

Emphasizing healthy food choices can help you enjoy your meals without excessive fat, sugar, and calories. Healthy food choices can be a carry-over from healthy menu and meal planning at home while managing your high blood pressure with diet.

Switching to a diet without excessive fat and salt and staying fit will help you loose weight and can help prevent or at least delay heart-related problems. Along with monitoring and medication treatment, a high blood pressure diet can help control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke, kidney and heart failure and heart attack.

Tip! Activity - people who lead active lives are much less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart and artery disease.

See your doctor before making any diet or lifestyle changes.

Kathryn writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Blood Pressure please visit Blood Pressure Resources article page

Reducing Hypertension (high blood pressure) Naturally

2006-11-13T05:08:00.000-08:00

By Stewart Hare

Tip! Damage to cerebral tissues, resulting in convulsions, ataxia or impaired speech. Even brain death may occur in those patients with severe high blood pressure.

Hypertension is commonly known as high blood pressure. A healthy young adult resting blood pressure should be around 120/80 mmHg, blood pressure rises with age, a typically healthy 50 year old should have blood pressure reading of 150/90 mmHg at rest. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is diagnosed when the blood pressure is constantly above 160/95 mmHg at rest.

The contributing factors to hypertension (high blood pressure) are kidney and hormonal disease, a genetically predisposed family history to high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, high consumption of dietary salt (sodium chloride), low dietary calcium, depletion in magnesium, obesity, low intake of potassium salts, a high consumption of sugar , high alcohol consumption, high consumption of caffeine especially in beverages such as tea and coffee, smoking, high saturated fats intake, consumption of liquorice, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the taking of the contractive pill, toxic material such as lead and cadmium, food allergy, lack of exercise and stress.

Tip! ) Increased exercise - 15 to 20 minutes after physical exercise both numbers in the blood pressure reading drop and even more so when a person has high blood pressure.

Usually, hypertension (high blood pressure) is without symptoms but typical symptoms of hypertension (high blood pressure) which are reported are feeling dizzy, tired and having headaches. If hypertension (high blood pressure) is left unchecked then blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain can become damaged causing serious conditions such as impaired eyesight, kidney failure, heart attacks and strokes. A man with hypertension (high blood pressure) in his 40's is 30 times more likely to have a stroke than a man not suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure).

Changing your dieting and lifestyle can reduce the health risks associated with hypertension (high blood pressure). Avoid salt, excess alcohol, caffeine, stress and quit smoking, keep to a low fat, low cholesterol diet which is high in fresh organic fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, this should provide plenty of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, potassium and fibre, take up regular exercise, if overweight try to loss it and try not to reuse vegetable oil for frying.

Supplements that have shown good results in reducing hypertension (high blood pressure) are Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), fish oil, garlic tablets and potassium.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure)

Achillea wilhelmsii

Coenzyme Q10

Evening primrose oil

Fibre

Fish oil (EPA/DHA)

Garlic

Hibiscus

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Advice for a healthier natural life

Website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com

You can also read about Reducing Your High Blood Pressure Naturally here

Salty Wisdom About High Blood Pressure

2006-11-11T05:11:00.000-08:00

By Moss Greene

Tip! Age - it is common for high blood pressure to increase with age. Therefore older people are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are younger.

Salt is essential to human life. But, like most good things, too much can be a killer. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute blame excess sodium (salt) as a major reason for the high blood pressure that causes 400 daily American deaths from heart attacks and stroke. These deaths are equivalent to a jet airliner crashing every single day.

The National Institutes of Health recommends less than 1.5 grams of sodium a day. The average American gets about 4 grams and consuming up to 15 grams a day is not uncommon. Limiting daily sodium to less than 1.5 grams can lower systolic blood pressure (the upper number) by as much as 5 to 10 points, which significantly reduces a person's risk of heart attack and stroke.

Sodium is found naturally in almost all foods. But added salt in processed foods is the major damaging food source of sodium. Excess salt is found in bacon, hot dogs and processed meats, as well as frozen dinners, pizza, canned soups, etc.

Tip! Diet - a diet high in fat and sugar can cause blood pressure to rise. The healthier the diet, the less risk there is of high blood pressure and of blood pressure related disease.

The grams of salt in processed foods mounts up quickly. A cup of canned soup or a couple of slices of luncheon meat can each add another gram per serving to your daily limit. A ham and cheese sandwich with mustard adds over 2.5 grams and an order of chicken fajitas with tortillas, rice, beans and guacamole adds over 3.5 grams.

65 million Americans (beginning at age 6) have high blood pressure. Another 45 million have readings between120/80 and 139/90, which is considered pre-hypertensive. According to recent research, about ninety percent of people in this "pre-hypertension" stage go on to develop full blown high blood pressure during their lifetime.

Tip! Activity - people who lead active lives are much less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart and artery disease.

You can lower blood pressure naturally without the use of medication. Begin by eliminating processed foods and refrain from adding extra salt at the table. Find low sodium substitutes. Read labels and avoid added MSG (monosodium gluconate), sodium nitrate, nitrite, propionate, alginate, citrate, sulfite and even regular soy sauce. And be aware that baking soda, baking powder and many seasonings also contain sodium. You're better off using natural salt free herbs and spices to season your food.

Eating a healthy diet high in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat, trans fats and sodium can lower blood pressure by at least 10 to 15 points. Losing weight helps too. One study showed that people who lost only eight pounds were half as likely to have high blood pressure symptoms. Research also shows that those who exercise regularly control their blood pressure just as well as those who exercise and take hypertension medications.

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

Blood pressure is an important biomarker of health. Reducing your numbers by even just a few points can greatly decrease your risk of both heart disease and stroke. So, put down that salt shaker and season your next meal with the salty wisdom of good whole foods.

Moss Greene makes it easy for you to look and feel better. Visit her site at http://nutrition.bellaonline.com to learn the simple things you can do for yourself right now. Be sure to subscribe to her free newsletter - you don't want to miss a thing!

How the Mediterranean Diet Beats High Blood Pressure

2006-11-10T05:10:00.000-08:00

By Kevin Riley

How To Cure High Blood Pressure. The Cure of High Blood Pressure without Drugs and their Harmful Side Effects.

The Mediterranean diet is not some new fad diet ... dreamed up by a weight-loss "guru" or as a new health measure. It is thousands of years old. People living along the Mediterranean Sea have been eating a natural diet ... that has been proven in numerous studies to reduce the risk of heart attack and keep blood pressure from rising.

The great thing about the Mediterranean diet is ... it's a pleasure to eat and you're much more likely to stick with it. It's easy to adopt this diet as there are no special requirements. Unlike the radical requirements of many fad diets, the Mediterranean diet doesn't ask you to make impractical changes in your eating ... it offers you a way of eating that you can maintain long-term. It will lead you to long-term health benefits.

Tip! Eating red grapefruits is one of the best high blood pressure remedies there is. Eat several a day, if possible.

What is a Mediterranean Diet

Amongst the people of Greece, southern France, and parts of Italy ... natural whole foods are a large part of the diet. Fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, and olive oil are the heavy hitters in protecting your heart and lowering your blood pressure. Drinking wine with meals is an old custom ... and gives even more health benefits.

The Mediterranean diet doesn't look at all fats as bad. Instead, this way of eating makes wise choices in the fats that are used. Low in saturated fat ... the Mediterranean diet is full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats.

Since mainly whole foods are eaten along the Mediterranean Sea ... the deadly trans-fats -- found in fast foods and bakery goods -- are greatly reduced.

Tip! ) Increased exercise - 15 to 20 minutes after physical exercise both numbers in the blood pressure reading drop and even more so when a person has high blood pressure.

Living on a Sea Gives you Lots of Fish

Fish are a big part of the Mediterranean diet. Eating lots of fish has been recognized as being heart protective for quite a while, now. Especially, fatty fish are good for your heart and blood pressure ... they are full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Eating fish 2-3 times a week is a great way to lower blood pressure and ensure a long, healthy life.

Lots of Olive Trees Grow Along the Mediterranean Sea

Olive trees grow on sunny hillsides ... providing both tasty olives and golden olive oil. Olive oil is used in most Mediterranean cooking ... drizzled on rough chunks of whole-grain bread, mixed in salads, used in making tomato sauces. The flavonoids in virgin olive oil lower blood pressure and increase your levels of good HDL cholesterol.

Tip! Age - it is common for high blood pressure to increase with age. Therefore older people are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are younger.

That ... and olive oil tastes great and gives off a wonderful fragrance when heated.

Nuts Are an Ancient Energy Source

Since the Stone Age, nuts have been an important source of energy. Shunned a few decades ago because of their high fat content ... nuts were given a bum rap. The fats in nuts are good fats ... healthy fats that will lower your blood pressure and protect your heart.

Just a handful of nuts -- especially walnuts -- is a tasty way to protect your heart.

Wash Your Meal Down With a Glass of Red Wine

Tip! Damage to cerebral tissues, resulting in convulsions, ataxia or impaired speech. Even brain death may occur in those patients with severe high blood pressure.

A glass of red wine goes great with Mediterranean meals. Your heart will also enjoy the glass of wine. Red wine is rich in healthy flavonoids -- anti-oxidants that protect your heart from dangerous free radicals. Enjoy a daily glass or two and lower your blood pressure ... lower your risk of heart attack.

Recent studies have shown that light red wine drinkers have less risk than non-drinkers. Just don't over-do it.

A Great Diet to Start Today

The main feature of the Mediterranean diet is the focus on natural whole foods ... a shift away from unhealthy processed foods with their dangerous bad fats. And, the good thing is ... it's so easy to get started. Nothing radical ... just ask those who live healthy lives along the Mediterranean Sea.

Kevin Riley is the Powerful Life Guide ... a long-time natural health advocate and the author of the exciting new program "Get Natural! Drop Your Blood Pressure". Discover more about healthy eating and lifestyle at http://www.naturalbloodpressure.com

Trans Fats Are Another Cause of High Blood Pressure

2006-11-09T05:07:00.000-08:00

By Kevin Riley

Tip! Activity - people who lead active lives are much less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart and artery disease.

When the demand for butter exceeded the ability of farmers to supply this desirable fat ... the search for a substitute started us on a road to trans fats, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Not until 20 years ago did we finally discover the dangers of trans fats.

How Did Trans Fats Enter our Food Supply?

In the 1860s butter was in great demand and there just wasn't enough to satisfy everybody. Emperor Louis Napoleon III offered a prize for a substitute ... and so, the first margarine was invented by a French chemist. It was created from clarified beef fat.

It wasn't until 40 years later that the process of hydrogenation was developed ... and the door to deadly trans fats was opened. Butter rationing during two worlds wars and the lower cost of margarine ... had more and more people switching to this butter substitute -- made from cheap vegetable fats.

Tip! Smoking - cigarette smoking does not cause high blood pressure. Smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the heart and increases the heart's demand for oxygen.

When vegetable oils are hydrogenated ... their molecules are chemically re-arranged. This produces a fat -- trans fat -- that becomes semi-hard at room temperature. Basically, trans fats mimic the saturated fats that our taste buds love. We are naturally drawn to the taste and the consistency.

The semi-solid trans fats are great for baking ... and not expensive like butter or lard. This is a big plus for food processors ... and the reason trans fats are found in most baked goods -- as well as fried foods. While this cheap alternative to butter is a boon for the food makers ... it is a dangerous bust for consumers. In the US alone, an estimated 100,000 people die prematurely every year ... due to the use of trans fats.

So What's so Bad About Trans Fats?

Trans fats have the worst effect on your cholesterol levels of all fats. They drive up your levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol ... at the same time lowering your levels of heart-protective HDL cholesterol. Trans fats' overall effect on your cholesterol levels is ... twice as bad as the effect of saturated fats.

Recently, trans fats have also come under fire for damaging the lining of your arteries. It's this damage that leads to hardening of the arteries and higher blood pressure. The linings of your arteries play a very important role in controlling blood pressure. When these vital linings become damaged, their function is impaired -- resulting in high blood pressure.

How Can You Avoid Trans Fats?

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

Although trans fats were first used in margarine ... most margarines have eliminated this deadly fat. But, they're still found in many baked goods and fried foods. In fact, because of their low cost and convenience -- trans fats keep foods from spoiling -- hydrogenated oils are being used even more.

Keep clear of donuts, French fries, pastries, fast foods ... even the seemingly healthy granola bar often contains this dangerous fat. Check labels carefully ... avoid any food that contains hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Finally, a Little Help from the FDA

Fortunately, it is starting to get easier to find these dangerous trans fats -- and avoid them. As of January 2006, the FDA is requiring food makers to list the trans fat content ... on the Nutrition Facts label found on all products.

Even a small amount of trans fats in your diet is bad for your heart health. Switch over to healthier fats today. Not all fats are bad for you. In fact, some fats will even help you lower your blood pressure. Olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish will give your body a good dose of healthy fats.

Kevin Riley is a long-time natural health advocate and researcher ... and the author of the exciting new program "Get Natural! Drop Your Blood Pressure". Discover more at http://www.naturalbloodpressure.com

Hypertension & High Blood Pressure: How To Improve Life Threatening Weight-Related Diseases

2006-11-08T05:08:00.000-08:00

By Ian Mason

Tip! Activity - people who lead active lives are much less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart and artery disease.

The American Heart Association estimates that one of three Americans have have hypertension. And yet many of us don't know what it is, why it's dangerous, and what the treatment options are.

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension is a fancy medical word for high blood pressure.

Your blood carries nutrients and oxygen to your body, and picks up waste like carbon dioxide. The heart pumps the blood through "pipes" - blood vessels called arteries- and the blood returns to the heart through veins.

Blood pressure is the "push" of blood against the walls of the arteries. It is a good thing to have blood pressure - if blood pressure is zero, it means there's no blood moving through the arteries! But like the water pipes in a house, if the blood is being pushed too hard against the walls of the vessels, they might be damaged. Extra pressure can also contribute to creating blood clots that block needed blood supply to the brain.

Hypertension can lead to dangerous conditions including heart failure (when the heart has to work too hard just to get the blood moving around the body), stroke (interference with the blood flow in the brain), and kidney disease, to name a few.

How Do I know If I'm At Risk?

While having a family history of hypertension may increase your risk for hypertension, not all people with hypertension have family members with it. Hypertension is generally "asymptomatic" - most people don't have symptoms as they develop it - so checking your blood pressure should be a part of regular healthcare.

How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

When your blood pressure is taken at a health clinic or doctor's office, the result is a mysterious number like this:

120 / 80

The first/top number is called the "systolic" (sis-tall-ick) blood pressure; the second/bottom, the diastolic (dye-as-tall-ick) pressure. The American Heart association recommends that the top number in adults should be no higher than 120 and the bottom no higher than 80 (children have different ranges of healthy blood pressure for different age groups - ask your pediatrician if you're concerned). If your systolic pressure is between 140 to 159 and/or your diastolic pressure is between 90 and 99, that's considered mild hypertension. Moderate to severe hypertension includes systolic pressures over 160 and/or diastolic over 100.

Tip! Diet - a diet high in fat and sugar can cause blood pressure to rise. The healthier the diet, the less risk there is of high blood pressure and of blood pressure related disease.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Treatment depends on the severity of the high blood pressure. Keep in mind that a very stressful day can increase your blood pressure readings, as (for some people) can a trip to your doctor's office. So if your blood pressure reading is on the border between healthy and hypertensive, you may need to make a return visit.

If you have a pre-hypertensive blood pressure after a repeat check, your doctor or nurse practitioner may recommend a trial of lifestyle changes that can help lower blood pressure including:

-exercise

-a lower-salt diet

-increased intake of potassium

-weight loss

-moderation of alcohol consumption

-stress reduction

However, if you have mild to severe hypertension (Stage 1 or 2), or if you have pre-hypertension in combination with conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, or diabetes, your health care provider may prescribe medications.

There are many different hypertension medications. They don't all work the same way, and different ones work differently for different people, so your provider will probably have you check in to make sure the medication first prescribed is working for you. Sometimes two medications can compliment each other, so your healthcare provider may prescribe two kinds.

Once medication has been prescribed sit down with your health care provider or pharmacist and a list of all the medications you take (including over the counter medications) to make sure that there are no harmful interactions between them and tyour blood pressure medicines. In addition, keep in mind that most blood pressure medications have side effects; ask your healthcare provider to write down likely side effects for you, noting side effects and symptoms that indicate that you should come in to have your dose changed.

Most importantly, medication is not enough! Make sure to modify your lifestyle to help the medications do a good job.
"High Blood Pressure" Nidus Information Services, 2004

Tip! Smoking - cigarette smoking does not cause high blood pressure. Smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the heart and increases the heart's demand for oxygen.

"Percentage of adults aged ≥20 who were ever told they had high blood pressure" Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports, Center for Disease Control, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, volume 51, issue 21, 2002

"Screening for high blood pressure: recommendations and rationale,"U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, American Family Physician Volume 68, issue 10, p. 2019-22

How To Cure High Blood Pressure. The Cure of High Blood Pressure without Drugs and their Harmful Side Effects.

"The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure," The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institiute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health, Volume 3, no. 5233, 2003

Ian Mason, owner of Shoppe.MD, your source for Online Prescription Medications, drug information and support forums.

Ian is a fat-to-fit student of health, weight loss, exercise, and several martial arts; maintaining several websites in an effort to help provide up-to-date and helpful information for other who share his interests in health of body and mind.

Five Secrets of High Blood Pressure Treatment

2006-11-07T05:13:00.000-08:00

By Alexander Alfimov

Tip! Damage to cerebral tissues, resulting in convulsions, ataxia or impaired speech. Even brain death may occur in those patients with severe high blood pressure.

Thirty percent of human population has a high blood pressure and everyone has a 90% risk to acquire it during the rest of the life. As a result, half of all human deaths are due to the major complications of high blood pressure, mainly stroke and heart attack.

Medical scientists are fighting this life-threatening disease and they have gained some success. That is the development of several classes of antihypertensive drugs and definition of "normal" levels of blood pressure that should be maintained to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications and death.

Is it a great success? Unfortunately not. Pharmaceutical treatment can not reverse the disease. The patient with developed arterial hypertension can only hope to reduce the risk of high blood pressure complications. How big is this risk reduction? Relative risk reduction is less than 25% during 2-5 years for all major cardiovascular complications. It is higher for stroke (36-45%) and less for heart attacks (10-15%). When all risks are combined, the relative risk reduction is close to 25%.

Tip! ) Increased exercise - 15 to 20 minutes after physical exercise both numbers in the blood pressure reading drop and even more so when a person has high blood pressure.

Be careful and distinguish absolute and relative risk reductions. Papers and pharmaceutical ads always present relative risk reduction which is more impressive. They even do not mention that it is "relative". That is because the absolute risk reduction could be as much as 0.2-2.0%. Does not impress you, right? Let's take a clinical trial where 0.6% and 0.96% of patients had had fatal stroke in the treatment group and placebo group accordingly. Absolute risk reduction will be 0.96% - 0.60% = 0.36%, however relative risk reduction will be as much as (0.96% - 0.6%)/0.96% = 37.5%! Looks much better! Absolute risk reduction 0.36% means that from one thousand patients taking medication during 3-5 years, three or four could be saved from fatal stroke. Clinical trials don't say what will happen with those saved patients after 5 years. Presumably, the risk is postponed towards after 5 years period. Clinical trials also do not say which particular patients will be saved. It is like lottery, it could happen that 4 saved patients is just a difference between 44 saved and 40 preliminary died due to pharmaceutical side effects. Vioxx, Celebrex, Baycol are the known examples.

Tip! Alcohol - studies have shown that people who drink the equivalent of three or more glasses of alcohol a day are three times more likely to have high blood pressure than non drinkers.

As you see everyone has to pay for this risk reduction not only by inconvenience and cost of pharmaceuticals, but also by the risk of unpleasant or life-threatening side effects. For the patients with high estimated risk (more than 10% during 5 years or more than 20% during 10 years) this price is considered to be a worth-while to pay.

Estimated risk is calculated by doctor. Taking the patient's age and blood pressure level, plus the presence of risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, atherosclerosis and renal dysfunction, doctor can say that the risk for the cardiovascular complications of high blood pressure during 5, 10 or 20 years will be certain amount of chances For example, smoking woman, aged below 65, with abdominal obesity (waist more than 102cm) and blood pressure 140-179/90-109 mm Hg will have 15-20% absolute risk of all cardiovascular events at 10 years. Just add one more risk factor (diabetes or high cholesterol) and the risk goes up to 30%. This is high risk and the treatment is definitely required.

Tip! Activity - people who lead active lives are much less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart and artery disease.

For the patients with initial stages of hypertension and low risk the balance between benefits and drawbacks of antihypertensive drugs is not established. There are three reasons for being reluctant to start taking antihypertensive drugs without having 10% estimated risk of cardiovascular complications.

Reason one: absolute risk reduction from, let's say, 7 % to 5 % does not look sufficient to justify long-term expensive, unsafe and inconvenient treatment.

Reason two: even if we decide to operate the relative instead of absolute risk reduction, we CAN NOT do this, because available clinical trials have demonstrated risk reduction for the high risk patients and can not be extrapolated to the low risk patients. Clinical trials on low risk patients were not performed and we do not know if the harm of the treatment overbalances the benefit.

Reason three: negative side effects of antihypertensives are well known and includes lipid, hormonal disturbances including development of diabetes. We know that for the high risk patients (read - low life expectancy) the danger from the drug treatment is less than the benefit, but we do not know and we can not know without 20-30 years studies if it is the case for the low risk patients.

That is why official guidelines do not recommend starting drug treatment at the early stage of hypertension. Modern pharmaceutical treatment can not prevent or reverse the disease; it needs to be taken for life-long to maintain blood pressure at the recommended level.

What about non-pharmaceutical treatment?

The treatment guidelines include the following non-pharmaceutical recommendations.

1. Stop smoking

2. Reduce body weight

3. Aerobic physical exercise of 30-40 min, at least 3-4 days per week

4. More fruits, vegetables and potassium, and less sodium

5. Alcohol intake not more than 20-30 g of "pure alcohol" per day (it corresponds to 150-200 ml of wine or a pint of beer)

6. Reduce stress

These non-pharmaceutical approaches have a proven efficacy in the reduction and prevention of high blood pressure. But they require substantial perseverance and will-power to comply with.

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

You should know how much effort is required to follow dietary restrictions or to stop smoking recommendations. Low compliance with these recommendations is usually accompanied by low compliance with drug therapy.

For people who want to be healthy and prevent or at least control this dangerous disease, there is a good news. Non-pharmaceutical recommendations really work; you will definitely reduce your risk by following them.

How To Cure High Blood Pressure. The Cure of High Blood Pressure without Drugs and their Harmful Side Effects.

But people want more. People want the treatment that can effectively reverse the disease. The way to success here is in the proper coping with stresses. Stress causes activation of sympathetic system. Chronic activation of sympathetic system causes hypertension and obesity. Four out of six classes of antihypertensive drugs are designed to act upon sympathetic system.

Can we manage stress and accompanied sympathetic activation without drugs? The task is not easy. You may say that effective stress reduction is only possible after radical change of working or family environment. I may add that even after that, the man will be caught by the new stress. The problem is in people's attitude and the ability to cope with stress and to avoid chronic anger. Those who are able, live more than hundred years. The researches on centenarians have demonstrated their unique ability to avoid damaging reactions on the stressful situations.

To select most effective stress-management technique for yourself, I recommend you to try first those having proven blood pressure reducing effect, like yoga, meditation and computerized devices reducing respiration rate. Coping with stress is the obvious way to escape from Number One Killer and to live the full life span we are designed for.

Summary

Five secrets you should know about pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatment of the high blood pressure:

1. Pharmaceutical treatment should be initiated if estimated risk of cardiovascular complications is greater that 10% during 5 years or greater than 20% during 10 years.

2. The real benefit of the treatment is described by the absolute risk reduction which very often is not disclosed.

3. Side effects of the antihypertensive drugs during long-term consumption are common and serious.

4. Non-pharmaceutical treatments of hypertension really work. Although they require much more effort and will-power to implement in compare with daily chemical drugs consumption, they will protect you not only against hypertension, but also against the high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, obesity and other diseases. Plus you will get better and healthier life, with much more energy and satisfaction.

Tip! Age - it is common for high blood pressure to increase with age. Therefore older people are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are younger.

5. We must learn from centenarians how to escape diseases. Centenarians have innate ability to cope with stress; they are natural stress-shedders. They are not preoccupied with worry, hostility and anxiety. They avoid unhealthy thinking, like anger, sadness, guilt and fear. It is possible to develop such personality with modern stress-management and personal development techniques.

Dr. Alexander Alfimov M.D, Ph.D. has graduated from St. Petersburg Medical Academy in 1987. He has been working for eleven years as a head of clinical research department of the big pharmaceutical company, producing and marketing six antihypertensive drugs.

Tip! Eating red grapefruits is one of the best high blood pressure remedies there is. Eat several a day, if possible.

http://www.slowbreath.com

Treatment for High Blood Pressure

2006-11-06T05:10:00.000-08:00

By Gordon Cameron

Tip! Activity - people who lead active lives are much less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart and artery disease.

The treatment of high blood pressure is one of the most important areas of modern medicine. Good quality care and blood pressure treatment can reduce the risk of death, the risk of stroke and the risk of heart attack or coronary disease. The British Hypertension Society produced guidelines in 2004. This is what they recommend.

Blood Pressure Measurement

All adults should have a blood pressure measurement at least once every five years up to the age of 80 - and more often thereafter.

If their blood pressure reading is borderline or high then the frequency of checking should be increased to at least once a year.

Tip! Smoking - cigarette smoking does not cause high blood pressure. Smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the heart and increases the heart's demand for oxygen.

Nobody should be labelled as having high blood pressure unless at least four seperate seated readings confirm the problem. Some people with suspected high blood pressure will need a twenty four hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor check.

High Blood Pressure Treatment

Lifestyle measures should form the initial mainstay of high blood pressure treatment.

Weight loss will reduce blood pressure levels in almost everyone.

A high alcohol intake has long been linked to high blood pressure readings.

Diet should be altered to reduce salt intake, reduce saturated fat intake, to increase oily fish or fish oil capsules and to increase the intake of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Exercise - walking is best - for thirty minutes three times a week can significantly lower high blood pressure levels.

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

High Blood Pressure medication is best chosen by a physician with full access to your medical records and with consideration of any other medical problems you may have. Most high blood pressure sufferers need more than one type of medication to achieve good blood pressure control. The target blood pressure level should be below 140/85 or below 130/80 if you suffer from diabetes as well as blood pressure. In reality the lower your reading is the better your long term health will be.

Dr Gordon Cameron is a doctor based in Edinburgh, Scotland. He has a special interest in blood pressure treatment.
You can discover how to lower high blood pressure and about the problems of low blood pressure treatment by visiting Dr Cameron's websites.

He has also written about using acupuncture for high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Treatment: High and Low Blood Pressure Tips and Medication!

2006-11-05T05:31:00.000-08:00

By Jasdeep Singh

High blood pressure is on the rise worldwide. But, doctors believe that small lifestyle changes can go a long way in preventing this silent killer.

High blood pressure (BP) is one of the 10 leading health risks worldwide and causes seven million deaths a year, according to WHO report. The organsiation estimates that about one-third adults in most countries suffer from high blood pressure.

By 2025, more than 1.5 billion people will have high BP and most importantly, the world's poorest countries will be the worst hit, warns US experts. The expert's warning is the result of the study based on two decades of global data. Based on the trends, the researchers believe that the prevalence of high blood pressure will increase by about 60 percent by 2025. And they expect to see it slightly more in women(30 percent) than in men(29 percent)

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

Looking at these alarming figures, there could be a worldwide epidemic of strokes and heart attacks in the future.

Here are some steps to control your Blood Pressure (BP)!

. Shed those extra kilos. Cut down on calories. The more overweight you are, the more susceptible you are to high BP.

. Stop smoking. This will keep your BP in control and will also diminish your risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Must Visit: Find enormous quit smoking tips, motivation and an effective quit smoking program at http://www.weightloss-health.com/quit_smoking_ways.htm

. Add more fruits, vegetables and low-fat diary products to your diet.

. Eat foods high in calcium, magnesium and potassium like banana, raisins, potato and dates.

. Reduce your salt intake as it is linked to high BP. According to experts, one shouldn't consume more than 2 grams of sodium per day.

Tip! Alcohol - studies have shown that people who drink the equivalent of three or more glasses of alcohol a day are three times more likely to have high blood pressure than non drinkers.

Must Visit: Get free low sodium diet and recipe at http://www.weightloss-health.com/low_sodium_diet_recipes.htm

. Curb your alcohol consumption as excessive alcohol raises your BP.

. Exercise regularly. A 30-minute workout is healthy.

. Use relaxation methods like yoga, meditation and biofeedback to lower your stress levels.

Caution: You may have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Since high blood pressure is silent killer, only way to find out if you are suffering from it is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. The Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of high blood pressure(JNC), has formulated norms to diagnose pre-hypertension, where blood pressure readings show 120-139 over 80-89 mmHg, which help identify people who are at a higher risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes.

Tip! Age - it is common for high blood pressure to increase with age. Therefore older people are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are younger.

Not many know that high blood pressure can lead to heart and kidney ailments and may be fatal too. Those who have recently become hypertensive can heal themselves by losing weight, increasing physical activity, curbing alcohol consumption, increasing fruit content in their diet and practicing yoga. Also one should watch out for sleep apnoea- a common cause for hypertension at http://www.weightloss-health.com/sleep%20apnea%20treatment.htm.

Exercise Tips to fight Hypertension!

. Low level aerobic training (biking, treadmill)

. Walking

. Water aerobics, swimming

Tip! Eating red grapefruits is one of the best high blood pressure remedies there is. Eat several a day, if possible.

. Resistance Training (Bench Press, squats and leg press).

. Circuit training

About the Author

Jasdeep: for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

To learn more on Diet Recipe for various health conditions, visit Free Diet Recipe

If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

Your Blood Pressure Medication May be Promoting High Blood Pressure & Heart Disease

2006-11-02T05:57:00.000-08:00

By Peter Osborne

How To Cure High Blood Pressure. The Cure of High Blood Pressure without Drugs and their Harmful Side Effects.

Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium:
Recent research reveals that low levels of calcium, magnesium, and potassium can lead to elevations in blood pressure. In addition, magnesium deficiency is a contributing factor to elevations in cholesterol.

Tip! Alcohol - studies have shown that people who drink the equivalent of three or more glasses of alcohol a day are three times more likely to have high blood pressure than non drinkers.

Zinc:

Zinc deficiencies have been shown to lower an individual's antioxidant status. Low antioxidant levels have been associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

Coenzyme Q10:

Low levels of coenzyme Q10 have been linked to both high blood pressure as well as congestive heart failure. In addition, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant.

Folate & Vitamin B6:

These essential B-vitamins reduce the risk of heart disease by converting the toxic chemical homocysteine into harmless byproducts. Elevated homocysteine levels in the blood are as great a risk factor for heart disease as having high cholesterol.

Vitamin B1:

Tip! Damage to cerebral tissues, resulting in convulsions, ataxia or impaired speech. Even brain death may occur in those patients with severe high blood pressure.

A deficiency of vitamin B1 can cause congestive heart failure as well as muscle soreness, and exercise intolerance. Exercise intolerance could potentially inhibit a person's ability to exercise. This in turn could lead to sedentary activity. Lack of adequate exercise is also a risk factor for heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is vital to healthy collagen production (blood vessel linings). Vitamin C deficiency has been related to elevated cholesterol levels and is necessary to maintain adrenal function through the production of hormones such as corticosteroid and aldosterone.

In summary, there are a number of published scientific studies that illustrate the effects of blood pressure lowering medications on nutritional status in humans. Based on these studies and the functions of the effected nutrients in the body we can logically conclude that taking blood pressure medications over long periods of time may actually increase the risk for heart disease, or at the very least, reduce the benefit from the medication. Because supplementation with these nutrients is safe and cost effective, it would seem prudent for physicians to monitor these nutrient levels with appropriate lab tests and to administer appropriate doses of these vitamins and minerals when deficiencies are identified.

Tip! ) Increased exercise - 15 to 20 minutes after physical exercise both numbers in the blood pressure reading drop and even more so when a person has high blood pressure.

If you are taking a blood pressure lowering medication and would like to learn more about how it may affect your nutritional health Visit: www.essential-nutrients.net/high-blood-pressure.htm

Dr. Peter Osborne, D.C., D.A.C.B.N. is the clinical director of Town Center Wellness in Sugar Land, TX. His practice focuses on integrative holistic care to include chiropractic, decompression, lifestyle coaching, as well as treating complex medical problems by identifying and correcting nutritional deficiencies through the use of specialized laboratory testing. He is a professor of nutrition for Houston Community College's nursing programs. He has designed several formulations for different supplement companies including The "Ath-Elite" Protocol, a product customized for professional athletes. He is a member of the ACA Council on Nutrition, the American Association for Health Freedom, a Diplomate with the American Clinical Board of Nutrition, and a co-founder of Nutra/MD, a supplement company with products designed to diminish the side effects of commonly prescribed medications. He has recently been elected to the Examining Committee for the American Clinical Board of Nutrition. He can be reached at 281-240-2229 or on the web at http://www.essental-nutrients.net

Hypertension - What Exactly Causes High Blood Pressure?

2006-10-31T07:29:00.000-08:00

By Mark Littlejohn

Tip! Damage to cerebral tissues, resulting in convulsions, ataxia or impaired speech. Even brain death may occur in those patients with severe high blood pressure.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the "Silent Killer" because of a distinct lack of symptoms. The first time someone finds out they may have hypertension is after a routine test at the doctor's office.

Your doctor can quickly and easily check your blood pressure, but do be warned, there is a very real syndrome called "White Coat Syndrome" where people's blood pressure actually increases as a direct response to visiting the doctor. Mine did just that, so every test the doctor did pointed to high blood pressure. My solution to this was to buy a home digital blood pressure monitor. They are relatively cheap, and are very accurate (although do get it checked by your doctor for accuracy). The results were amazing, as my blood pressure taken at home was usually normal.

Since hypertension is a major factor in strokes and coronary heart disease, it is vital that we all get checked frequently.

Tip! Diet - a diet high in fat and sugar can cause blood pressure to rise. The healthier the diet, the less risk there is of high blood pressure and of blood pressure related disease.

While some people are at more risk of developing high blood pressure, the sad truth is that 90% or more of cases have unknown causes. For this reason, it is not possible to fully answer the question of what causes high blood pressure, although we can highlight a number of factors thought to be involved.

Blood pressure is carefully controlled by the human body, keeping it within very strict limits. Simply put, if blood pressure drops, the body can contract the smooth muscles in arteries and arterioles, decreasing the size of the blood vessels, which in turn increases the resistance encountered by the blood trying to push its way through. Blood pressure increases. If blood pressure becomes too high, the body can reverse this process.

This obviously does not explain long-term hypertension, which places a huge strain on both arteries and the heart itself. The factors which have been linked to causing high blood pressure include the following:

Excessive alcohol
Smoking
Obesity
Salt in the diet
Stress
Caffeine
Genetic factors

Obviously most of these factors are within our own control (with the exception of genetics), so we do have the potential to lower our blood pressure by more natural means. Following a healthy diet with increased fruit and vegetables intake, while reducing those factors harmful to our health can help lower blood pressure. If you are over-weight, losing a few pounds can help a lot. Even walking for 30 minutes, 3 times a week can have beneficial effects on your blood pressure.
There is a diet called the DASH diet that has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure. Its worth looking it up.

Tip! Age - it is common for high blood pressure to increase with age. Therefore older people are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are younger.

However, as with all things medical, consult your doctor before starting any exercise program or radically changing your diet.

Mark writes for onetwentyovereighty.com where you can read more information on blood pressure, home blood pressure monitors, and something called White coat syndrome.

High Blood Pressure and the Benefits of Exercise

2006-10-24T05:13:00.000-07:00

By Gordon Cameron

Tip! Alcohol - studies have shown that people who drink the equivalent of three or more glasses of alcohol a day are three times more likely to have high blood pressure than non drinkers.

High Blood Pressure - Exercise - Risk of Death

Here's the simple truth - if you have high blood pressure then regular exercise will significantly prolong your life.

Moderate exercise is a critically important part of maintaining good health. People who are physically active are less likely than their sedentary counterparts to develop chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and other heart or cardiovascular disease.

There is a strong link between physical activity and death rates. In particular, physical activity is associated with a reduction in the risk of death due to heart disease.

The amount of physical activity that you undertake will predict your risk of early death even if you have multiple heart risk factors or if you already have heart disease. (Risk factors include having high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and smoking).

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

Many of us the the Western World have a high risk of heart disease because of our lifestyle habits and our body weight.

Many good research studies show at most risk tend to be more sedentary. Could this be you - do you fit this description? If you do then for goodness sake do something about it .. Now!

A recent research study looked at nearly a thousand American adults below retirement age. They followed these people for eight years and collected a huge amount of data about their health and their lifestyle.

The study found that those with risk factors for heart disease were about thirty percent more likely to die than the rest of the population. They were also more likely to live a sedentary lifestyle.

Taking regular light or moderate exercise reduced the risk of early death by a dramatic amount.

Tip! Diet - a diet high in fat and sugar can cause blood pressure to rise. The healthier the diet, the less risk there is of high blood pressure and of blood pressure related disease.

What's the message?

We should all be more active. If you have high blood pressure, are overweight, have diabetes, a high cholesterol or are a smoker (or more than one of these risks) - then you need to increase your level of exercise ... and start now. Your life, quite literally, depends on it!

Tip! Eating red grapefruits is one of the best high blood pressure remedies there is. Eat several a day, if possible.

He has also written about using acupuncture for high blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure During Exercise

2006-10-23T05:07:00.000-07:00

By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

Tip! Alcohol - studies have shown that people who drink the equivalent of three or more glasses of alcohol a day are three times more likely to have high blood pressure than non drinkers.

A study from Johns Hopkins shows that people who develop very high blood pressure during exercise are the ones most likely to develop high blood pressure in later years (American Journal of Hypertension, April 2004.) These people have arteries that do not expand as much as normal arteries when blood is pumped to them.

When your heart beats, it squeezes blood from inside its chambers to the large arteries. This sudden bolus of blood causes normal arteries to expand like balloons do when they fill with air. The walls of arteries have sensors that allow arteries to expand with each pulse of blood. If the arteries do not expand enough when blood enters them, blood pressure can rise very high. Blood pressure is determined by the force of the heart's contraction times the resistance in the blood vessels. Normal blood pressure is 120 when the heart contracts and 80 when it relaxes. During exercise, the heart beats with increased force to raise blood pressure. It is normal for blood pressure to rise up to 200 over 80 during running, and to 300 over 200 while doing a leg press with very heavy weights.

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

People with normal resting blood pressures who develop very high blood pressure during exercise are the ones most likely to develop high blood pressure later on. If your blood pressure rises much above 200 during running, you are at increased risk for developing high blood pressure.

Ninety percent of Americans will develop high blood pressure, which increases risk for heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage and sudden death. High blood pressure usually occurs in people who have normal blood pressures when they were young. If you have an exaggerated blood pressure rise during exercise, you should go on a heart attack prevention program that includes a diet that is high in plants and low in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, regular exercise, losing weight if you are overweight, not smoking, and avoiding stimulants and drugs that raise blood pressure.

Tip! Eating red grapefruits is one of the best high blood pressure remedies there is. Eat several a day, if possible.

Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
http://www.DrMirkin.com

Physical Exercise and High Blood Pressure

2006-10-22T05:11:00.000-07:00

By James Ellison

Tip! Damage to cerebral tissues, resulting in convulsions, ataxia or impaired speech. Even brain death may occur in those patients with severe high blood pressure.

Fitness exercise is an bodily function that comes at the bottom of many individuals to do list; when it needs to be at the top. It is important as it helps to keep our heart healthy, assists in maintaining our blood pressure inside normal limits and gives us a great feeling.

When making up ones mind on what exercise to begin particularly if you hurt from high blood pressure you should take several circumstances into account.

1. Make sure you tell your doctor of your plans to take up exercise. He may want to check you over to make sure everything is ready for you to start.

2. It needs be an exercise you like, because if you enjoy it, you're more likely to stick to it.

Tip! ) Increased exercise - 15 to 20 minutes after physical exercise both numbers in the blood pressure reading drop and even more so when a person has high blood pressure.

3. Take into consideration when planning your exercise regimen it must be a regular exercise, for if it's regular, it will be more probable you are using the bigger muscle groups in the body. A lively walk or going swimming are good cases of a rhythmic type of exercise.

Most people sound off they can't swim or they don't like walking as they live in either a unsafe or polluted surroundings. However this is an superior opportunity to consider the other way and really go for a complete modification of ideas and way you think.

For example, how do you recognize you don't like swimming if you have never been instructed the correct method. Sign up for a course of swimming lessons and present yourself the chance to learn. Now you have an excellent way of meeting new friends and acquiring a new skill.

Walking can be performed in places other than your surrounding neighborhood. Check in your local newspaper to see if there are any walking clubs in your region, purchase yourself a pair of good shoes and some appropriate clothes, and get going.

Some walking clubs go on super outings to all types of lovely points, and it's a fantastic way of helping you to become fit and lower your blood pressure. You also get a opportunity to see some of the beautiful countryside that more than likely you would likely have missed. You can go see your local parkland or school trail to start applying your walking accomplishments.

All told, the secret of any practice session is to start it lightly. Another tip is to not tell anyone until well after involved. If you tell other people about your plans to exercise, you may find yourself being teased by all. This may put yourself under stress since you know they are watching and just waiting for you to mess up. What this means is many people feel conscience-smitten when they see other individuals making an attempt to do things they know they need to be doing, and witnessing them flunk helps to keep them in their comfort zone.

James is now writing articles on many different subjects. But they are based on extensive research. For more info on high blood pressure visit exercise tips.

Diabetes: Diabetics Should Not Have A High Carb Diet Due To Blood Pressure

2006-10-19T05:10:00.000-07:00

By Hector Milla

Tip! Damage to cerebral tissues, resulting in convulsions, ataxia or impaired speech. Even brain death may occur in those patients with severe high blood pressure.

New studies evaluating the effects of high-carbohydrate and high- monounsaturated fat diets indicate that patients with type 2 diabetes suffered modestly raised blood pressure after being exposed to 14 weeks of a high-carbohydrate diet compared to a diet high in monounsaturated fat.

One diet consisted in a high-carbohydrate diet consisting of 55% of calories as carbohydrate, 30 percent as fat, and 10 percent as monounsaturated fat. The other diet consisted in a high-monounsaturated fat diet deriving 40 percent of calories from carbohydrate, 45 percent from fat, and 25 percent from monounsaturated fat.

The research compared the effect of two same-calorie diets among 42 patients with type 2 diabetes, who consumed each diet for 6 weeks, with about 1 week between the two periods. These patients were invited to continue the second diet for 8 weeks more. Eightof them continued on the high-monounsaturated fat diet and 13 continued on the high-carbohydrate diet.

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

Findings after the first 6-week periods demonstrated that there were no significant differences between both diets in systolic or diastolic blood pressure, the upper and lower numbers on a standard reading, respectively, or in heart rate.

After the 8 week-extension, diastolic blood pressure was 7 points higher than at the end of both 6-week phases, because of the high carbohydrate diet associated, and systolic blood pressure was 6 points higher, and heart rate was higher by 7 to 8 beats per minute.

On the other hand, there was a significant lowering of heart rate compared with the end of the initial 6-week periods during the 8-week extension of the high-monounsaturated fat diet. There was almost no statistical significance between Systolic and diastolic blood pressure that were 3 to 4 points lower after 14 weeks on the high-monounsaturated fat diet.

Tip! Smoking - cigarette smoking does not cause high blood pressure. Smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the heart and increases the heart's demand for oxygen.

Article written by Hector Milla editor of http://www.mydiabetessupply.com, a website about diabetes testing supply, or you may read their last article: Diet for Gestational Diabetes at http://www.mydiabetessupply.com/1/diet-for-gestational-diabetes.html

Thanks for using this diabetes article in your website or ezine keeping a live link.

What Is The Connection Between Insulin And High Blood Pressure?

2006-10-18T05:23:00.000-07:00

By Mary Shackelton, MPH ND

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

2022

Anytime there is an elevation in glucose in the blood stream, such as eating a carbohydrate-rich meal, there is a compensatory rise in insulin secretion from the pancreas. Over time, and after consistently elevated carb consumption, excess insulin becomes a constant in the blood stream. This condition is known as hyperinsuliemia, which, in turn, causes high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

This latter condition is major health problem for several reasons - it's very common, its consequences are widespread and it remains relatively silent and undiagnosed until late in its course of causing cardiovascular damage.

Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors in both coronary heart disease and stroke. It can also lead to congestive heart failure, aortic dissection (a hole in the aorta) and kidney failure.

Blood pressure is determined by cardiac output, or how much blood the heart pumps per beat, and total peripheral resistance, which is a measure of how easily the blood is pumped to the distant organs of the body.

Excess insulin is an underlying factor in high blood pressure because it can cause atherosclerosis. This condition is a build-up of harmful material called plaque which narrows the inside width of arteries and reduces the easy flow of blood. Additionally, excess insulin damages the inside lining of the blood vessels which decreases it's elasticity. A decrease in elasticity causes the heart to work harder to pump the blood through the entire cardiovascular system.

www.metabolic-syndrome.insulitelabs.com

Dr. Shackelton is a founding partner of Insulite Laboratories. She directs research and development of the formulas comprising the four Insulite Systems and those in development. Her study of the biochemical and physiological reasons for weight gain led to her focus on Insulin Resistance - the abnormal response of insulin to glucose - and its growing number of related conditions.
www.metabolic-syndrome.insulitelabs.com

Do You Have High Blood Pressure or Diabetes?

2006-10-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

By Lenore Chapman

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

My husband has had both for years and he finally got both of them under control. It took a trip to the hospital before we really realized how bad it was, and how bad it could get. After a week in the hospital, and taking note of what they were feeding him, and what the dietitian was talking about, and reading the booklet's about the food to eat and not to eat, it hit me, this way of eating is like the South Beach Diet. We were on the South Beach diet, and as a lot of people do, we fell off the wagon.

Once he got on the diet they had him on it was easy to stick to it, thanks to the South Beach Diet. He now sticks to the both of the diets like a fish sticks to water. He had lost 60 pounds in four or five months and his blood pressure and diabetes is under control. He still takes medicine for both but not as much. It is amazing how your diet can change your health and your life.

The South Beach Diet isn't that hard to follow and it works. It consist of cutting out certain foods for two weeks, then adding some them back after that two weeks. The most important thing is cut out all those foods with sugar. I use to eat a banana a day. That is the worse fruit you can eat. Tons of sugar. Also fruits are good for you but the sugar in them is high. Did you know that when you eat something sweet that you will crave more food during the day, even if you aren't hungry?

Once you go on this diet for just two weeks you will be amazed that you don't crave the foods you had to give up. Bread, potatoes, bananas, etc. And the weight you lose is great. I am suggesting that if you have high blood pressure or diabetes, do yourself a favor and get on the South Beach Diet. You will be amazed how you feel in two weeks, and your blood pressure and blood sugar will come down. My husband checks his blood pressure and blood sugar every day. He cheats on the diet every so often but goes right back on the diet the next day. You need to follow the diet but if you cheat, no big deal, you just start back up the next day. Believe me once you start this diet you will love it.

Tip! Diet - a diet high in fat and sugar can cause blood pressure to rise. The healthier the diet, the less risk there is of high blood pressure and of blood pressure related disease.

Get out your scale and watch the pounds fall off. Oh yes and save one piece of clothing so you can go back in a couple months and look at it, or try it on and see how much you lost. You will want to keep going on the weight loss. My husband did, and we laugh at how big he use to be, and how big the clothes are on him now.

Come by Lenores World and stay a while.

High Blood Pressure - Hypertension a Behavioral Approach

2006-10-16T05:10:00.000-07:00

By L. John Mason

Tip! Damage to cerebral tissues, resulting in convulsions, ataxia or impaired speech. Even brain death may occur in those patients with severe high blood pressure.

Hypertension is not just a disease of aging. Young men and women can suffer from its damaging, sometimes killing, effects. Please do not take this condition lightly. Get it treated as soon as possible before it creates lasting damage and adversely effects your life as you do age.

High blood pressure can be a very dangerous, and often untreated, symptom of stress. In fact, perhaps 70% of all high blood pressure problems are related to emotional responses to difficult or dangerous situations. When this response becomes habituated by your body, the prolonged high blood pressure can lead to long term permanent physical damage such as hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart, strokes, liver, or kidney damage. These can be very serious and very scary, but many people do not know they have high blood pressure or do not treat this potential killer disease.

Tip! ) Increased exercise - 15 to 20 minutes after physical exercise both numbers in the blood pressure reading drop and even more so when a person has high blood pressure.

Medications and physician care is the most immediate and important way to begin to control this problem before it can cause permanent, irreversible damage! The expense of medication and its side effects can make this difficult, however, there are other things you can do to minimize the dangers of hypertension and learn to control your body's response to stress so it will not make you ill or debilitate you! Especially, if you are in the 70% of high blood pressure suffers who have not yet been damaged irreversibly.

How To Cure High Blood Pressure. The Cure of High Blood Pressure without Drugs and their Harmful Side Effects.

The keys to controlling high blood pressure are:

Breathe slowly/diaphragmatically
Regular deep relaxation with Biofeedback Temperature monitoring
Use a guided relaxation tape regularly!
Learn to warm your hands and feet
Avoid caffeine and stimulants
Regular aerobic exercise
Remain in the present... in your body, in a positive way
Taper your high blood pressure medication after you have mastered the relaxation- biofeedback, under your physician's care.

Learn to breathe diaphragmatically

Place a hand over your upper abdomen
Push it OUT as you inhale
Let in move IN as you exhale
Let your chest, shoulder, neck, and back relax as you breathe
Only on a very deep breath should these parts move in the breath. This may be the most important Hypertension Technique you can learn!
If you link taking one deep breath to a reoccurring work event like a telephone ringing or checking the time, you could remember to take these slow deep breaths throughout your work schedule and keep yourself from letting the tensions build to painful or distracting levels. The secret is check in with your body in the present moment, relax your major muscles, and slow and deepen your breath, This simple exercise can have miraculous results.

Tip! Smoking - cigarette smoking does not cause high blood pressure. Smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the heart and increases the heart's demand for oxygen.

Other breathing techniques involve a short series of deep slow breaths, where you count as you breathe. Try counting slowly 1-4 as you inhale, pause and hold your breath as you count 1-4, and then release slowly, but completely, as you count 1-8. After four of these breaths, you will be breathing better and more in control of your body's pattern of holding tension. This can help teach you how to control your hypertension.

Stress Management Tapes

Use a Stress Management for High Blood Pressure tape 1-3 times per day for 8-12 weeks. Use the StressDots on your hands to learn how to warm your hands with relaxation. When you can consistently get above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (93-95 degrees is ideal) then you can begin to master warming your feet to 90 degrees. See the article on temperature training at http://www.dstress.com/tempbft.html.
When you can "let go" by relaxing and warming your hands and feet, you will be able to control if not prevent your panic episodes. Then you must develop the confidence in your control so the high blood pressure will not control your life.

Eat Regular Meals

Low fat and complex carbohydrates are better than fast foods with lots of sugar. AVOID CAFFEINE and other stimulants. Caffeine is found in coffee, black teas, cola drinks, chocolate, some over-the-counter pain medications, and other foods/drugs. Read labels. Eating as closely as you can to natural foods (lots of: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.) will benefit any one.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise will help you to work off the effects of life's stresses. 3-5 times per week of regular exercise that can elevate your heart rate for 15-45 minutes would be best. Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program if you have been inactive for a long while. Even though elevating your heart rate can be a little scary, the release of tensions and the strengthening of your cardiovascular system will have great benefits. This can improve circulation and so can help to reduce your blood pressure.

Tip! Activity - people who lead active lives are much less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart and artery disease.

Positive Thoughts

Many people with high blood pressure have trouble maintaining their thoughts in present time or focusing on their bodies in positive ways. Fears or angers from the past or apprehensions about the future seem to take up too much of their conscientiousness. Living in the present, letting go of negative emotions, and letting life's daily dramas roll off you are all important skills to develop.

Taper Medication

Taper your high blood pressure medication after you have mastered the relaxation - biofeedback, under your physician's care. After you have learned to "let go" through relaxation and biofeedback training, you can monitor your blood pressure at home. When you have developed the skills of hand and foot warming, you will find that your blood pressure can begin to drop down in more normal ranges. Write these regular home blood pressure readings down to show your doctor. In the doctor's office your blood pressure may still be higher than you like! Many people have "white coat syndrome" where their blood pressure will be 10-15 points higher in the doctor's office than it normally is at home. With your doctor's agreement and assistance you may be able to begin reducing your high blood pressure medications. Any changes to your normal medication may elevate your blood pressure, so reduce these medications slowly, in gradual steps.

Tip! Eating red grapefruits is one of the best high blood pressure remedies there is. Eat several a day, if possible.

Insomnia or problems with sleeping may affect your high blood pressure. If this is an issue for you, you may want to read the section on sleeping disorders and use the special tape at bedtime to help you get to sleep and so rest better.

Please take good control of yourself.

L. John Mason, Ph.D. is the author of the best selling "Guide to Stress Reduction." Since 1977, he has offered Executive Coaching and Training.

Please visit the Stress Education Center's website at http://www.dstress.com for articles, guided stress management CD's, free ezine signup, and learn about the new telecourses that are available. If you would like information or a targeted proposal for training or coaching, please contact us at (707) 795-2228.

If you are looking to promote your training or coaching career, please investigate the Professional Stress Management Training and Certification Program for a secondary source of income or as career path.

Seeking Noninvasive Treatment for High Blood Pressure?

2006-10-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

By C. Bailey-Lloyd

Tip! Diet - a diet high in fat and sugar can cause blood pressure to rise. The healthier the diet, the less risk there is of high blood pressure and of blood pressure related disease.

Suffering from high blood pressure and looking for an alternative way to reduce your blood pressure without drugs and invasive treatment? A new medical mechanism is seemingly revolutionizing breathing techniques and has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure.

According to a clinical overview by Doctors William Elliott, Joseph Izzo, and Henry Black, a new blood-pressure reducing device called RESPeRATE(R) (by InterCure, Inc.), comprised of a "...control box (about the size of a paperback book) containing a microprocessor, a belt-type respiration sensor (which functions as a respiration sensor), and headphones (to provide feedback to the patient);1 shows promise for noninvasive treatment for reducing blood pressure significantly.

Tip! Activity - people who lead active lives are much less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart and artery disease.

How does it work? This small mechanism provides sessions of device-guided breathing to its patients. Analyzing breath rate and pattern, the microprocessor creates uniquely individualized melodies in the form of two specific tones. One tone is created for inhalation, the other for exhalation. The purpose of the instrument is to gradually have the patient synchronize his breathing rate to about ten (10) breaths per minute. Memory is stored in the microprocessor to show how often and how long the device has been utilized; and whether regimen was completely followed by patient.

In several, different studies, the device was used at intervals of fifteen (15) minutes per day for eight (8) weeks. Blood pressure control was significantly displayed in the groups using this innovative device. Findings showed that after 3-5 weeks of device-guided breathing, sustained reduction of blood pressure was achieved.

Per the overview, RESPeRATE(TM) can be used for the reduction of stress and as a complementary therapy for hypertension; and can be used in combination with conventional and alternative/natural interventions.

In closing, proper use of this device leads to guided, slower breathing which subsequently reduces blood pressure. Having no adverse effects, this new product may become key to naturally altering breathing patterns and help prolong heart health and overall wellbeing.

(To read the complete overview, visit: www.resperate.com/discover/clinical_evidence.aspx)

Reference:

Resperate.com
HeartcenterOnline.com

DISCLAIMER: Information provided by HolisticJunction.com is intended for educational purposes only and should not substitute advice provided by a licensed health professional.

About the Author:
C. Bailey-Lloyd - Author of "Somewhere Along the Beaten Path"

Feel free to visit Media Positive Radio -- Providing a positive and uplifting listening experience - All the Time! Featuring the finest music from Independent and Mainstream musicians all focusing on the power and greatness of every individual as well as the collective power of unity and brotherhood.

NOTICE: Article may be republished free of charge as long as Author Resource Box (above) is included, and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN in tact and active.

How To Use Grapefruit to Lower High Blood Pressure

2006-10-13T05:06:00.000-07:00

By Rudy Silva

Heart disease is the number one killer of women. If you are a women, and even if your not, here is what you need to start doing.

The food you eat is critical in determining if you will have high blood pressure and if you can lower it. Eating less meat and eating more fruits and vegetables can lower your blood pressure.

High blood pressure occurs when fats, cholesterol, and nutrients in the food you eat start to accumulate along your artery walls. This narrowing of your arteries restricts the flow of your blood, increases your blood pressure and making you more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes.

Tip! Activity - people who lead active lives are much less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart and artery disease.

If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high trigylcerides, grapefruit has been found to reduce the effects of these conditions.

So which is better yellow or red grapefruit? Well, in a study made where people who had a history of high cholesterol, those that ate the red grapefruit had the most effect in lower their blood pressure. The yellow also lowered blood pressure but not as much as the red grapefruit.

It was found in this study that grapefruit had a better effect in lowering blood pressure than statin drugs.

Red grapefruit are extra high in anti-oxidants and these nutrients are able to reduce your trigylcerides: the yellow are not.

Eat the red grapefruit when available and when it is not eat the yellow. Eat at least one - two per day. If you eat � just before your meal or drink a glass of fresh grapefruit, you can expect to lose 1 or 2 lbs during the month. By eating 2 grapefruits a day expect to lose more weight.

Tip! Diet - a diet high in fat and sugar can cause blood pressure to rise. The healthier the diet, the less risk there is of high blood pressure and of blood pressure related disease.

Eating grapefruit has many health benefits, but one other is in controlling your insulin level. Studies have shown that those that eat grapefruits have lower insulin and glucose levels in their blood.

It is believed by researchers that grapefruit enzymes help to control insulin increases that happen after you eat. These enzymes help digest your food better and this results in less nutrients being stored as fat.

How To Cure High Blood Pressure. The Cure of High Blood Pressure without Drugs and their Harmful Side Effects.

Grapefruit has also been found to be caner preventative. It's the phytonutrients - antioxidants - and especially lycopene that has been found helpful in preventing cancer.

Grapefruits are high in fiber, vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants - carotenoids, limonoid glucosides, flavonones.

You can buy red and yellow grapefruits from November to May here in the US. If you don't have any in your area go online and order some.

CAUTION: If you are on any drugs, do not eat grapefruits in combination with taking drugs. Grapefruit enhances the effect of drugs and can cause symptoms of overdose.

Rudy Silva is a Natural Nutritionist. To get more tips and information on what foods you need to eat if you have high blood pressure or cholesterol go to: http://www.lowerbloodpressure.for--you.com
For more extensive information on high blood pressure go to:
http://www.high-blood-pressure-remedies.com

Acupuncture for High Blood Pressure - A New Treatment That Works

2006-10-12T05:06:00.000-07:00

By Oliver Turner

Since times immemorial, Acupuncture is a unique treatment for reducing high blood pressure in human beings. High blood pressure refers to a situation where blood starts exerting pressure against the walls of arteries, veins and also the chambers of the heart. Over a specified time period, this heavy rush of blood starts damaging the lining of the blood vessels. It can also lead to arteriosclerosis, meaning hardening of the arteries.

Symptoms of high blood pressure

High blood pressure symptoms are often acute in human beings. They include sudden dizziness, flushed faces, nervousness, severe headaches, restlessness, difficult breathing, nose bleeding, insomnia, intestinal complaints, depression, short temper and emotional instability. The diagnosis of high blood pressure is done when the normal pressure tends to repeatedly rise. The other physical symptoms of high blood pressure includes constant tendency to urinate, decrease in eye vision and muscle weakness.

Tip! Alcohol - studies have shown that people who drink the equivalent of three or more glasses of alcohol a day are three times more likely to have high blood pressure than non drinkers.

Electro-acupuncture treatments

Acupuncture combined with electric stimulation or electro-acupuncture can lower elevations of blood pressure in human beings. When the research was conducted for the first time, acupuncture needles were inserted on the inside of the forearm just above the wrist, but to no avail. Researchers then started adding electric stimulation to the needles, which means that electric would start flowing from the needles to the body. While high frequency of stimulation had no effect, low frequencies of electro stimulation reduced blood pressure effectively.

Tip! Activity - people who lead active lives are much less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart and artery disease.

A thorough research on acupuncture shows that the inserted needles excites brain cells, causing them to release neurotransmitters that always heighten the heart's activities. To cure high blood pressure, acupuncture inserts needles on certain points on the wrist, forearm or leg, to excite the opioid chemicals in the brain and reduce excitatory responses of the cardiovascular systems. This eventual decrease in heart activity and need for oxygen can lower blood pressure to a great extent. It also promotes in the healing of other heart-related conditions like myocardial ischemia and hypertensions.

Other acupuncture treatments to reduce high blood pressure

While you are undergoing acupuncture treatments for curing high blood pressure, you can also use herbs like Tian Ma [Gastrodia Rhizome], Xia Ku Cao [Prunella] and Shan Zha to reduce high blood pressure. You should inject the juices of these herbs into your blood to achieve better results.

Tip! ) Increased exercise - 15 to 20 minutes after physical exercise both numbers in the blood pressure reading drop and even more so when a person has high blood pressure.

A unique and natural acupuncture treatment for high blood pressure also include pressing of the skin on the back of your hand in between the thumb and index finger.

Find all about acupuncture and high blood pressure only on acupuncture for high blood pressure and much more. All about acupuncture on LeanderNet - http://www.leandernet.com

Natural Treatments for High Blood Pressure

2006-10-11T05:09:00.000-07:00

By Pat Welch

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious condition and is often dubbed the "silent killer" because it can do so much damage to your body before you even know you have it.
High blood pressure can cause heart failure, stroke and even death in the most serious cases. And, did you know that some of the medications your doctor may prescribe could do almost as much damage as the high blood pressure itself? Such medications can have rather serious side effects including dizziness, nausea, stomach problems, loss of appetite, fatigue, impotence and insomnia.

Herbs for Hypertension

There are a number of scientific studies that indicate that a natural approach or treatment for your high blood pressure could be an effective alternative. There are many different herbs that are used to treat hypertension, including the following:

Tip! Weight - people who are overweight are more at risk of high blood pressure than those who are of normal weight. Blood pressure tends to rise as body weight increases.

Hawthorn, also known as Crataegus Oxyacantha, is a well-known heart tonic and is one of the best safe herbal supplements to help treat hypertension. By dilating the blood vessels Hawthorn can provide your heart with the level of energy it needs to pump your blood. Hawthorn is full of anti-oxidants, which can keep plaque from building up on the arterial walls and reduce the risk of a heart attack. It works only it it's taken consistently for a long period of time.

How To Cure High Blood Pressure. The Cure of High Blood Pressure without Drugs and their Harmful Side Effects.

You can find hawthorn in herbal formulas designed to treat high blood pressure. Also, you can make a tea with this herb by adding two teaspoons of crushed leaves and berries to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for approximately twenty minutes, then strain and drink. You may drink up to two cups of this tea per day.

Another highly studied herb that is used to treat hypertension is Passiflora Incarnata. This herb contains different natural chemicals that help to calm the entire body, relax the blood vessels and help reduce overall blood pressure. To make a tea using passion flower mix a teaspoon of dried leaves with a cup of boiling water and let it steep for about fifteen minutes. Strain and drink before going to bed.

Hawthorn and Passiflora Incarnata are just a couple of herbs that have therapeutic properties for hypertension since there are more herbal remedies that can help this condition. Visit the following page to learn about other herbs for high blood pressure, http://www.herbal-alternative-remedies.com/natural-treatment-for-hypertension

Pat Welch is an editor at herbal-alternative-remedies.com
For information on safe herbal treatments for high blood pressure visit http://www.herbal-alternative-remedies.com/natural-treatment-for-hypertension
To learn about herbal remedies for other common health conditions visit http://www.herbal-alternative-remedies.com

*** Attention Webmasters / Website Owners ***

You can reprint this article on your website or ezine as long as you do not modify any of the content, and include our resource box as listed above with all links intact and hyperlinked properly.

Side Effects of High Blood Pressure Medicine

2006-09-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

The downside to these drugs is the long list of side effects. Often the side effects are so bad that other blood pressure medications have to be prescribed to counteract them. Some of the side effects include but are not limited to rapid heartbeat, impotence, fluid retention, gastrointestinal problems, dizziness, muscle weakness and especially cramping, lowering of the good cholesterol (HDL), dryness of the mouth, fever, anemia, a stuffy nose, diarrhea, heartburn, possible nightmares, swelling around the eyes and aches and pains in the joints.

Now Tom, keep in mind that all the prescription blood pressure reducing drugs don’t have all these symptoms all the time. But if just seeing that list of potential side effects isn’t enough for you to turn and run the other direction, what would be?

I would never advise someone to stop taking his or her medication. That can be dangerous. Only a qualified healthcare professional can help their patient make that choice. If the doctor has approved an natural treatment for high blood pressure, then they will most likely be weaned off their prescriptions carefully and slowly, under the care of the physician while following the all-natural approach. This is the correct path to take.

Tags: natural treatment for high blood pressure, medications, natural

Hyperexol for High Blood Pressure

2006-09-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

High Blood Pressure is Caused By A Variety of Factors. Hyperexol is the ONLY HYPERTENSION SOLUTION that Normalizes Blood Pressure Levels Quickly and Completely, From All Angles, Once and For ALL!!!

If You're Treating Just One of the Causes of High Blood Pressure, You're Only Half Way There!

Hyperexol is the ONLY HYPERTENSION SOLUTION that attacks HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE from the inside out. Like a military brigade, Hyperexol attacks the ROOT CAUSE from every direction.
Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, Hyperexol does not have negative side-effects and is all-natural. The key to the effectiveness of Hyperexol lies in its potent blend of botanical ingredients, combined from over two years of laboratory trials and immuno-pharmacological research.

Every ingredient plays its particular role and the botanical blend as a whole represents a powerful tool to normalize your blood pressure levels.

More Proof is in the Ingredients
You've heard us say the product works. You've read the testimonials from happy users. You've even seen the results of our internal polling and the results of a clinical study.

If you're still not 100% convinced that Hyperexol can help you obtain normalized blood pressure levels, then this section is for you. Below is a short explanation of each ingredient in Hyperexol and it's proven benefit (often over centuries of use) in normalizing blood pressure levels and promoting good health.

Blood Pressure Effects From Viagra

2006-09-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Of four subjects who received VIAGRA 100 mg in the first part of this study, a severe adverse viagra side effects related to blood pressure effect was reported in one patient (postural hypotension that began 35 minutes after dosing with VIAGRA with symptoms lasting for 8 hours), and mild adverse viagra side effects potentially related to bp effects were reported in two others (dizziness, headache and fatigue at 1 hour after dosing; and dizziness, lightheadedness and nausea at 4 hours after dosing). There were no reports of syncope among these patients. For these four subjects, the placebo-subtracted mean maximum decreases from baseline in supine and standing systolic bp were 14.8 mmHg and 21.5 mmHg, respectively. Two of these subjects had a standing SBP < 85mmHg. Both of these subjects were protocol violators, one due to a low baseline standing SBP, and the other due to baseline orthostatic hypotension.

more information to purchase viagra pills

Tags: purchase viagra pills, viagra, blood pressure

Acebutolol Hydrochloride

2006-09-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Acebutolol hydrochloride is a selective, hydrophilic beta-adrenoreceptor blocking agent with mild intrinsic sympathomimetic activity for use as a high blood pressure medicine people with ventricular arrhythmias. It is marketed in capsule form for oral administration. Acebutolol hydrochloride capsules are available in two strengths which contain 200 or 400 mg of acebutolol as the hydrochloride salt.

Tags: high blood pressure medicine, medicine, acebutolol

High Blood Pressure Cures

2006-09-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

People who suffer from hypertension want to find high blood pressure cures. Many of these individuals often want to avoid taking prescription medication but they want to lower high blood pressure. Natural cures for hypertension can help these individuals avoid taking more medication than necessary.

The first natural option of the high blood pressure cures I came across is apple cider vinegar. I was aware that this handy pantry item has great effects on the immune system. I also knew that apple cider vinegar is a great fat burning secrete that many of us dieters like to keep to ourselves.

The cleansing properties of apple cider vinegar do wonders for your system. With all of the benefits of this type of vinegar I had never suspected that this would be among the natural high blood pressure cures as well. This just gives me one more reason to continue taking the product.

I usually take my dose of apple cider vinegar right before lunch. This is a great natural remedy for hypertension and it does a number of other great things for your system as well. This is one of the best natural high blood pressure cures because it is easy to take, it is inexpensive and it is accessible.

Garlic is another inexpensive high blood pressure cure that many of us already use. I believe that fresh garlic works much better than the pill form but either can help to reduce your numbers. If you take the fresh version of the aromatic supplement you may want to save it for bedtime to avoid a severe case of bad breath.

Some people think that adding garlic to foods is the perfect way to get the cleansing and hypertension reducing effects that the plant promises. However, we do cook many of the positive elements out of the plant when we cook it. To be sure that you reap the maximum benefit of high blood pressure cures like this it is best to try and stick to the raw version.

The third remedy for high blood pressure is exercise. Walking is one of the most popular forms of cardiovascular activities around. People of every age can participate. There are no fees or memberships and you feel great after going on a nice, long walk.

All three of these inexpensive and accessible high blood pressure cures are great. However, it is always important that you consult your physician before moving forward in taking care of your hypertension.

Tags: high blood pressure cures

Minoxidil

2006-09-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

Minoxidil is the most potent of the high blood pressure medicines that lower blood pressure by dilating the peripheral arteries. This drug, however, does not work through the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, as do the alpha and beta-blocker drugs, or through the control center in the brain, as does clonidine. Rather, it is a muscle relaxant that works directly on the smooth muscle of the peripheral arteries throughout the body. Minoxidil is used for patients who have not responded to any other medications. It must be combined with a beta-blocker or clonidine to prevent an increase in the heart rate and with a diuretic to prevent retention of fluid. Minoxidil may also increase hair growth. For more information, please see the drug monograph on Minoxidil.

Clonidine High Blood Pressure Medicine

2006-09-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

Clonidine (Catapres) is an antihypertensive drug that works centrally. That is, it works in a control center for the sympathetic nervous system in the brain. This high blood pressure medicine is referred to as a central alpha agonist because it stimulates alpha-receptors in the brain. The result of this central stimulation, however, is to decrease the sympathetic nervous system outflow and to decrease the stiffness of the peripheral arteries. Clonidine lowers the blood pressure, therefore, by relaxing the peripheral arteries throughout the body. This high blood pressure medicine is useful as a second or third line high blood pressure medicine choice for lowering blood pressure when other high blood pressure medicines have failed. It also may be useful on an as-needed basis to control or smooth out fluctuations in the blood pressure. This drug tends to cause dryness of the mouth and fatigue so that some patients do not tolerate it. Clonidine comes in an oral form or as a sustained release skin patch.

Tags: Clonidine, High Blood Pressure Medicine, Medicine

Alpha Blockers

2006-09-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

Alpha-blockers are high blood pressure medicines that lower blood pressure by blocking alpha-receptors in the smooth muscle of peripheral arteries throughout the tissues of the body. The alpha-receptors are part of the sympathetic nervous system, as are the beta-receptors. The alpha-receptors, however, serve to narrow (constrict) the peripheral arteries. Accordingly, the alpha-blockers cause the peripheral arteries to widen (dilate) and thereby lower the high blood pressure.

Alpha-blockers are particularly useful in patients with enlargement of the prostate gland because these high blood pressure medicines reduce the problems associated with urinating. Alpha-blockers alone, however, have a relatively small blood pressure-lowering effect. Accordingly, when high blood pressure coexists with prostatic enlargement, another anti-hypertensive medicine should be used together with an alpha-blocker. For example, tamsulosin (Flomax) or alfuzosin (Uroxatral) are alpha-blockers that work well in combination with other high blood pressure medicines.

Calcium Channel Blockers

2006-09-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

Calcium channel blockers inhibit the movement of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and arteries. The calcium is needed for these muscles to contract. These drugs, therefore, lower blood pressure by decreasing the force of the heart's pumping action (cardiac contraction) and relaxing the muscle cells in the walls of the arteries. Three major types of calcium channel blockers are used as high blood pressure medicine. One type is the dihydropyridines, which do not slow the heart rate or cause other abnormal heart rates or rhythms. These drugs include amlodipine (Norvasc), sustained release nifedipine (Procardia XL, Adalat CC), felodipine (Plendil), and nisoldipine (Sular).

Tags: high blood pressure medicine, calcium channel blockers, high blood pressure

Ace Inhibitors high blood pressure medicine

2006-09-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE Inhibitors) and angiotensin receptor blockers
The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) drugs both affect the renin-angiotensin hormonal system, which, as mentioned previously, helps regulate the blood pressure. The ACE inhibitors work by blocking (inhibiting) an enzyme that converts the inactive form of angiotensin in the blood to its active form. The active form of angiotensin constricts or narrows the arteries, but the inactive form cannot. With an ACE inhibitor as a high blood pressure medicine, 50 to 60 percent of Caucasians usually achieve good blood pressure control.

natural high blood pressure treatment drugs

2006-09-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

Blood pressure medication causes one of three main reactions. They either increase the size of the blood vessel (vasodilator); flush out the blood vessel of salt and water and create freer blood flow with less volume (diuretic); or slow down the heart beat (beta blockers). Here are the top 3 high blood pressure medications:
1. Doxazosin (brand name Wytensin) is a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessel walls.
2. Hydrochlorothiazide (under brand names Carozine, HydroDiuril or Diaqua) is a potassium reserving diuretic. It is intended to hang on to the potassium, an important mineral in lowering blood pressure that can get dangerously low with diuretic usage.
3. Acebutolo (brand name Sectral) is a beta blocker intended to decrease the heart rate and blood flow.

High Blood Pressure Treatment

2006-09-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

Keep in mind that high blood pressure is usually present for many years before its complications develop. The idea, therefore, is to begin a natural high blood pressure treatment early, before it damages critical organs in the body. Accordingly, increased public awareness and screening programs to detect early, uncomplicated hypertension are the keys to successful treatment. The point is that by treating high blood pressure with natural solutions early enough, you can significantly decrease the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

High Blood Pressure Medicine

2006-09-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

Your doctor has prescribed high blood pressure medicine to help lower your blood pressure. You also need to make the other changes that are effective: stay at a normal weight, use less salt, be more physically active and limit alcohol to no more than one drink a day (for women) or two drinks (for men). Follow your overall therapy plan, and you can be on the road to a healthier life!

Your doctor may prescribe one or more drugs to bring your blood pressure down to normal.

- The medicines work in different ways to help lower blood pressure.
- Medicine only works when you take it regularly.
- Don't ever stop taking medicine on your own.
- Even after your blood pressure is lowered, you may still need to take medicine - perhaps over a lifetime - to keep your blood pressure normal.

What Type of Medicines are there?

- DIURETICS rid the body of excess sodium (salt) and water and help control blood pressure.

- BETA BLOCKERS reduce the heart rate and the heart's output of blood, which lowers blood pressure.

- VASODILATORS, ACE INHIBITORS and CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS are drugs that relax and open up the narrowed blood vessels and lower blood pressure.