If you have high blood pressure, you’re not alone. In India, 23 crore people have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it doesn’t usually cause symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get your blood pressure checked regularly.
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What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of your blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.
Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.
Causes of high blood pressure
There are a number of things that can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
* A family history of hypertension
* Eating a diet high in salt
* Being overweight or obese
* Smoking
* Drinking too much alcohol
* Having diabetes
* Having kidney disease
Symptoms of high blood pressure
When you have high blood pressure, it means that your heart is working harder than it should to pump blood through your body. This can cause a number of symptoms, including:
-Chest pain
-Shortness of breath
-Heart palpitations
-Headaches
-Dizziness
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away so that they can check your blood pressure and decide if you need treatment.
How to control high blood pressure
If you have high blood pressure, there are things you can do to help control it. You can:
-Watch your weight and eat a healthy diet.
-Exercise regularly.
-Limit your salt intake.
-Reduce stress.
-Quit smoking.
Foods to avoid with high BP
If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to avoid foods that can make your condition worse. Salt, fatty meats, and processed foods can all increase your blood pressure. Here are some other food items to avoid if you have high BP:
-Coffee
-Alcohol
-Soda
-Canned soup
-Processed cheese
-Fried foods
Foods to eat to control high BP
There are many different foods that can help to control high blood pressure. Some of the best foods to eat include:
1. Dark leafy greens: These are high in nutrients and help to keep blood vessels healthy.
2. Berries: These are packed with antioxidants and help to improve blood flow.
3. Fatty fish: Fish like salmon and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation.
4. Garlic: This herb has many benefits, one of which is reducing blood pressure.
5. Yogurt: This probiotic food helps to keep gut bacteria healthy, which can in turn reduce inflammation throughout the body.
High BP medications
If you have high blood pressure, there are many different types of medications that can help to lower your blood pressure. These include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers. While each type of medication works in a different way, they all work to help lower your blood pressure.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of a medication and then gradually increase your dose until your blood pressure is under control. It is important to take your medications as prescribed and to not skip doses. If you miss a dose, be sure to take it as soon as you remember.
It is also important to make lifestyle changes along with taking your medications. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise can all help to control your blood pressure.
Natural remedies for high BP
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. While there are many medications available to help control high blood pressure, there are also some natural remedies that can be effective in managing this condition.
One natural remedy for high blood pressure is regular exercise. Exercise helps to keep your heart healthy and can lower your blood pressure. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.
Another natural remedy for high blood pressure is to eat a healthy diet. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and reducing your intake of salt, fat, and sugar can help to lower your blood pressure. You should also try to limit your alcohol consumption.
If you smoke, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, including your blood pressure. If you’re having trouble quitting smoking on your own, there are many resources available to help you kick the habit for good.
Making these lifestyle changes can be difficult, but they’re important for managing high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about other ways to lower your blood pressure if these natural remedies don’t work for you.
When to see a doctor for high BP
If your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90, you should see a doctor. If it is only occasionally high, you can try making lifestyle changes to bring it down. These include eating a healthier diet, exercising more, cutting back on salt and alcohol, and managing stress. If these lifestyle changes don’t work, you may need medication.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with high blood pressure, know that you’re not alone. Millions of people across the globe are in the same boat. But there is hope! With some lifestyle changes and perhaps some medication, you can get your blood pressure under control and improve your overall health. Start by making small changes like cutting back on salt and eating more fruits and vegetables. Then, talk to your doctor about what else you can do to lower your blood pressure. Together, you can find a treatment plan that works for you and helps you live a healthier life.