How to Cure High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension, which refers to an elevated blood pressure. Blood pressure usually refers to the pressure or force, exerted by the circulating blood on the arterial wall. So high blood pressure means that the pressure or force with which the circulating blood is pushed against the wall of the arteries is higher than the normal level. Normal blood pressure is 120/80, where 120 is the measure of systolic pressure, while 80 is the normal level of diastolic pressure.

Hypertension is a complex disorder, which is usually classified as essential or primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. There are no known medical causes for primary hypertension, while secondary hypertension is caused by tumors or kidney diseases. The main risk factors for primary hypertension, are obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, vitamin D deficiency, alcoholism, sodium sensitivity, insulin resistance and an increased level of renin enzyme. In addition to these, genetics is also believed to play an important role in increasing its risk. On the other hand, secondary hypertension is caused due to abnormalities of the adrenal glands, kidney problems, pregnancy, medications and sleep disorders. Hypertension is a leading cause of coronary heart diseases, strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure and so it is very essential to control this disorder.

High Blood Pressure Treatment

The usual treatment options for hypertension are medications, along with lifestyle and dietary modifications. However, in recent times, the popularity of herbal remedies has increased considerably.

Medications
There are no permanent cure for this condition, but it can be controlled with several medications. The medications commonly used in its treatment are ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and diuretics and angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Sometimes, alpha-blockers, beta-blockers and renin inhibitors, are also used to treat this condition. However, most of these medications can cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, a dry mouth, depression, constipation and sleeping problems.

Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle modifications, like regular exercise and dietary changes, can be quite effective in naturally controlling this health problem. Even physicians strongly recommend changes in lifestyle along with medications to regulate the level of blood pressure. Regular aerobic exercise can effectively lower the risk associated with it by regulating blood pressure and reducing weight and improving blood circulation. It is also important to lower the intake of sugar and sodium in the diet.

A diet that contains a large amount of vegetables and fresh fruits, is ideal for people dealing with this condition. It has been revealed through several studies, that the intake of calcium, potassium and magnesium can significantly lower blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. Vitamin A and C can also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, which is a serious complication associated with it.

Herbs
Today, alternative medicines like herbs are being increasingly used for treating a number of ailments including high blood pressure. Some of such popular herbal remedies are garlic, turmeric, cloves, hawthorn, Ginkgo biloba, ginger and olive leaf extracts. Garlic and clove are quite beneficial in reducing the level of cholesterol and blood pressure, while the leaves, flowers and berries of hawthorn can be used in maintaining proper heart functions and stabilizing an irregular heartbeat.

Turmeric is beneficial in lowering cholesterol, preventing the formation of blood clots, improving blood circulation and strengthening blood vessels. Ginkgo biloba is also effective in improving blood circulation and in dilating arteries. Similarly, olive leaf extracts can lower blood pressure and alleviate an irregular heartbeat. However, some of these herbs can clash with certain medications and supplements and therefore, it is advisable to take such herbs only under the guidance of an expert or professional.

So regular exercise and a healthy diet, along with medications, are of prime importance in order to treat high blood pressure and reducing the associated complications. In addition to all these, avoiding alcohol and smoking are also crucial to effectively control this condition.