Hypertension Causes and Home Remedies

Hypertension refers to a condition in which the blood pressure increases. Due to the high blood pressure, the blood vessels can be damaged, which can further result to other health problems. The condition can also increase the workload of the heart and the blood vessels; thus, boosting the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems. People’s blood pressure may rise at a certain age; however, this increase peaks with age.

Causes

The exact cause of hypertension remains idiopathic or unknown, according to Web MD. But then, various factors and conditions contribute to its development. As per the publication, these factors include being overweight, smoking, lack of physical activity, sleep apnea, excessive alcohol consumption, older age, stress, genetics, chronic kidney disease, and thyroid and adrenal disorders.

Statistics

According to EMedicine, hypertension stands as a global epidemic, with its epidemiology well studied. As per the information from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey or NHANES, as cited by the publication, an estimated 80 million adults had hypertension, with a prevalence of 32.6 percent, in the population aged 20 years and above in 2009 to 2012. It is added that the medical condition affects people in the United States regardless of gender, though it affects about 38.3 million men and 417 million women.

Signs and Symptoms

Hypertension presents a number of signs and symptoms. According to Web MD, the symptoms include fatigue, severe headache, vision problems, difficulty breathing, confusion, chest pain, blood in the urine, irregular heartbeat, and pounding in the ears, neck, and chest. As per the publication, a person may not know that he has it and this is what makes the condition dangerous. It is added that about one-third of people who have hypertension are unaware that they actually have the condition.

Home Remedies

While medical intervention through pharmaceutics is available to treat hypertension, the following home remedies can also be used or done to manage the condition.

Reduce Salt

One way to manage hypertension is to cut salt intake. Salt is sodium, which attracts water; thus, it promotes water retention. Increased fluid volume means higher blood volume; so, the body compensates by increasing the blood pressure. In other words, reducing salt intake leads to decreased water retention; thus, decreased blood pressure.

Hibiscus

Another way to manage high blood pressure is with the use of hibiscus. According to Everyday Roots, hibiscus is used by various cultures across the globe to manage hypertension. As per the publication, hibiscus serves as a diuretic, which means it promotes urination; thus, it decreases fluid volume and blood volume. Diuretics also extract sodium from the bloodstream, reducing the pressure on the arterial walls. Also, it has a mode of action similar to a group of medications called angiotensin converting enzyme or ACE inhibitors. As per the publication, these medications inhibit the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which affects the renin-angiotensin system. The latter is responsible for fluid balance and blood pressure regulation.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another herb that helps manage hypertension. Often added in pastries and beverages, cinnamon has its own ways to promote cardiovascular health. According to Health Line, daily consumption of cinnamon has demonstrated reduction of blood pressure in people with diabetes mellitus, a chronic disease characterized by prolonged increase in blood sugar. The herb is indeed flexible, since it can be sprinkled on one’s breakfast and dinner.

Hypertension may be less severe than stroke; however, it can lead to the latter if it is left unmanaged. So, a person should have a medical consult with a health professional if his blood pressure remains above the normal range.

 

 

 

Source: wisegeek.org

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