Some people with high blood pressure (HBP) walk around without symptoms, which often means they don't seek medical attention and are thereby not diagnosed. Some find out at routine physical exams, and others walk around never knowing until the effects of long-term high blood pressure start to cause other illnesses.
High Blood Pressure Basics
How is blood pressure determined? According to Mayo Clinic's High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) article, blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps. The more blood the heart pumps through narrower arteries, the higher the blood pressure (1).
Uncontrolled HBP can lead to further complications by damaging arteries, and could lead to heart failure. It is important to have blood pressure checked and monitored by a health care professional. In the event a patient is diagnosed with high blood pressure, the treating doctor will then discuss medications and treatment options with the patient.
A Few Symptoms of Hypertension
Symptoms are not always present with hypertension, but some symptoms include:
- dull headaches
- dizzy spells
- more nosebleeds than normal
These symptoms often present when the high blood pressure has reached an advanced stage (1).
There are two types of HBP, primary and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension has no apparent cause, while secondary HBP has an underlying medical condition causing it. About 90-95% of the adult cases are primary hypertension (1). Age, race and hereditary factors play a part in a person's risk factors for developing high blood pressure. Regular screenings during routine physical exams is a good way to keep track of a patient's blood pressure to be sure it is neither too high, or too low.
Changes in lifestyle may also help prevent hypertension. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, being sure to consume the right amount of vitamins and minerals in one's diet helps the body to stay regulated and functioning properly. According to the Mayo Clinic, other life habits that affect blood pressure include (1):
- illegal drug use
- smoking and tobacco products
- drinking too much alcohol
- stress
- lack of physical activity
- chronic health conditions can also play a part in HBP
Medications and Home Remedies for Treating Hypertension
There are medications doctors can prescribe to assist in lowering blood pressure and keeping hypertension under control. The treating physician will prescribe the best, or conceivably, the best medication based on the patient's medical history, allergies and other conditions. It may be necessary to change dosage, or medication based on how the drug is affecting the patient.
Some people turn to home remedies to control high blood pressure. Eating fruits and vegetables in a healthy diet, decreasing the salt in the diet, trying to maintain a healthy weight, staying physically active, and even trying supplements including garlic. Reducing stress levels, quitting smoking and even drinking less has helped some to manage their blood pressure and keep it under control.
Patients should be sure to discuss any supplements or medications they are currently taking with their doctor during their visit, as this will help the physician be aware of any possible conflicts with medication and risk for side effects.
No matter which option a patient chooses, prescribed drugs, or natural supplements, changing the lifestyle to include exercise, a balanced diet and cutting out harmful drugs can be beneficial to the patient's ability to lower blood pressure and prevent other illnesses.
Source:
1. Mayo Clinic "High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)" (accessed January 22, 2010)
Shunta Montgomery - Shunta has been writing for over twenty years. Her love of fiction has led her to publish over nineteen books and short stories with ...
