High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Hypertension is a condition in which the force of blood against artery walls is too strong. Hypertension is also called a "silent killer'' because it does not cause symptoms unless it is severely high. High blood pressure can damage arteries, heart, kidneys, and can also lead stroke. Generally, a blood pressure reading of 120/80 is considered normal, and consistent readings above 140/90 indicate hypertension.

Initial symptom of hypertension may appear as a pain at the back of the head and neck after waking up in the morning. Other common symptoms are frequent urination, pain in the heart region, dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, and fatigue.

Many different factors can cause high blood pressure. Main causes are stress and a sedentary lifestyle. Other causes include smoking; drinking too much alcohol; excessive intake of salt, high fat diet, tea, coffee, and refined foods; aging; low potassium, magnesium, and calcium intake. Obesity, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), and diabetes can also lead to hypertension. 

Home Remedies

• Add a teaspoon of honey and 5-8 drops of apple cider vinegar to a cup of
     hot water, and drink it in the early morning. It helps to reduce cholesterol,
     maintains vasodilation, and helps to regulate blood pressure.

• Mix 2 parts of orange juice with 1 part of coconut water. Drink 1/2 to 1
     cup, twice or thrice a day.

• Add 1 teaspoon coriander and 1 pinch cardamom to 1 cup freshly
     squeezed peach juice. Drink this juice 2 or 3 times a day.

• Take 1 tablespoon fresh Indian gooseberry (amla) juice with 1 tablespoon
     of honey every morning.

• Boil 5-6 leaves of olive in a cup of water for five minutes. Drink a cup of
     this decoction 3 times a day.

• Drink 1 cup mango juice, followed about an hour later by 1/2 cup warm
     milk, with a pinch of cardamom, a pinch of nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon ghee.
     (Note: Skip the ghee, if the cholesterol level is high.)

Do’s

• Eat well balanced diet. Eat fiber rich foods, whole grains, soy products,
     fruits and vegetables.

• Take a diet rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium.

• Eat very low salt diet (Not more than one teaspoon per day. One teaspoon of
     salt contains 2000 mg of sodium).

• Use sunflower, or safflower oil for cooking.

• Eat 2-3 flakes of garlic daily.

• Lose weight if necessary.

• Exercise regularly. Try 20-30 minutes of brisk walking.

• Manage stress. Try deep breathing and relaxation exercise.

• Do meditation and yoga.

• Get adequate sleep.

Don’ts

• Avoid high-fat foods and hydrogenated oils.

• Avoid working hard under the hot sun.

• Don’t drink too much alcohol.

• Don’t smoke.

See Doctor                                    

• Have blurred vision, insomnia or pain at the heart region.

• Having frequent urination.

  See doctor immediately:

• Have severe chest pain, or discomfort, pressure, squeezing, or heaviness.

• Have severe headache.