Explore the facts on high blood pressure and stay cool

A family history of hypertension is cited as one of the main causes of high blood pressure for e.g. inheriting abnormalities of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to hypertension. Besides the genetic causes, obesity disorders, lack of regular exercise and an unbalanced diet are the other major causes. Obese people are at 5 time’s higher risk of this disorder and aging too is a contributing factor. With ascending age, blood vessels become begin to lose their elasticity and become stiff, leading to hypertension. Smoking and drinking are some of the common causes of hypertension. Smoking injures the walls of blood vessels and eventually leads to hardening of the arteries. People, who frequently indulge in drinking, are also at a higher risk of developing this disease.

An excessive intake of sodium is known to cause HBP. The release of salts into the bloodstream causes the blood vessels to release water in order to balance the salt gradient. In this process, the pressure on the walls of the blood vessels increases, leading to BP. Diabetes is closely related to hypertension. Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose levels. Insulin resistance is known to increase arterial BP  in some patients. Patients of Type 2 diabetes are seen having higher levels of insulin, which their body is unable to utilize, resulting in a condition known as insulin resistance.

It is associated with certain kidney diseases. Diseases that affect the renal arteries can lead to hypertension. People suffering from the Cushing’s syndrome have HBP. Cushing’s syndrome is an endocrine disorder that results from high levels of cortisol in the blood. Cortisol increases blood pressure, and thus an increase in cortisol levels can lead to hypertension. Some women develop high BP during pregnancy. About 25% of the women develop hypertension during their first pregnancy. The cause for BP during pregnancy is not clearly known.

Find what your body wants by questing for high blood pressure remedies

Alternative medicine for high blood pressure is homeopathy, naturopathy, herbal, physical exercises, dietary control and a change of lifestyle. These natural ways to lower BP use a mode of treatment which differs from the normal allopathic treatment. The side effects found in allopathic treatment is not evident in these remedies.

Homeopathic remedies :

They are the most suitable way to treat deep-seated chronic conditions. Homeopathy treatments are individualized and specialized treatment provided, according to the symptoms, of the illness. Homeopathic remedies which are used effectively for high blood pressure includes argentum nitricum, aurum metallicum, belladonna, calcarea carbonica, atrum muriaticum and others. These medications should be used under medical supervision.

Natural remedies :

They include garlic supplements, fish oil supplements, folic acid and aromatherapy. Calcium and magnesium intake can also help in regulating high pressure. A combination of sunflower oil, blue chamomile oil and lavender oil, used for massaging, can lower the high BP level.

Herbal Remedies :

It includes herbs such as alfalfa, bloodwort, garlic, ginger roots, jaundice berry, turmeric, cayenne pepper, hawthorn, may blossom, olive leaf, ginkgo biloba, parsley and rauwolfia. These herbs are very potent in increasing the blood flow and reducing the blockages in the artery. Some more herbs effective in lowering BP are saffron, hibiscus, asparagus, Indian gooseberry, and lime blossom.

Physical Exercise :

Most people lead a sedentary lifestyle which is a major cause for high pressure. Regular exercise helps in maintaining a healthy body and normal weight, an important factor, to control blood pressure. Physical activity that increases heart and breathing rates helps in balancing the BP. A medical professional should be consulted before any form of exercises, other than simple walking, as it could prove dangerous.