HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HIGH BP)

On a routine physical examination, your doctor tells you that you have high blood pressure – but just what does that mean?

When the heart pumps blood through the arteries, the blood passes against the walls of the blood vessels as it travels through them. Arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries is common in individuals with high blood pressure.

Because the arteries are narrowed by the plaquedeposite along them by cholesterol, it becomes more difficult for the blood to pass through these narrowed passageways. As a result, the blood must be forced through and this creates an increase in blood pressure.

Blood pressure is measured as the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure. For instance, a blood pressure recorded as 120 over 80 would be classified as normal.

• Take the anti –hypertension medication prescribed by your doctor.
• Eliminate all salt from your diet. Salt retains fluids, which in turn increases the pressure.
• Eat a high fiber diet. Oat bran, fruits and vegetables.
• Lose excess pounds.
• Avoid alcohol
• Exercise. Regular, moderate activity, such as a 30 minutes brisk walk three to five times a week.
• Don’t smoke.
• Manage stress.
• Both garlic and onions on a daily basis have been shown to have good effect on blood pressure. Add them to salads and sandwiches.
• Eat several apples a day: the pectin in apples have been shown to help in reducing high blood pressure.
• Cucumbers are excellent natural diuretics and are an aid in lowering blood pressure.