High Blood Pressure, how it is controlled

Lifestyle Change Such As Weightloss Will Reduce High Blood Pressure.

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. High blood pressure, or hypertension, therefore, is a condition in which the force of blood against artery walls is too strong. This condition over time, can damage the arteries, heart, and kidneys and can lead to heart disease and stroke.

The readings of blood pressure consist of what is known as an upper number and a lower number (such as 120 over 90 or 120/90) respectively. This upper number is called systolic blood pressure (readings as the heart beats) and the lower number is referred to as diastolic blood pressure (readings as the heart relaxes between beats).

Blood pressure is the force of blood inside an artery and the readings are measured in units referred to as millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Our normal blood pressure is 120 mm Hg systolic over 80 mm Hg diastolic or below (120/80).

A person has high blood pressure (hypertension) when either or both conditions of the following are present:

° The top number systolic - that is as the heart beats is 140 mm Hg or higher.
° The bottom number diastolic – that is as the heart relaxes between beats is 90 mm Hg or higher.

How does nutrition affect blood pressure?

° Certain food nutrition can increase blood pressure.
° Gaining weight can increase blood pressure.
° Losing weight can reduce blood pressure.

What sort of nutrition control high blood pressure?

° Foods lower in fat, salt, and calories.
° Use spices and herbs instead of salt to flavor foods.
° Use less oil, butter, margarine, shortening, and salad dressings.

Remedy:

High blood pressure can be treated effectively with diet and lifestyle change, such as losing weight, regular exercise and quit smoking, in order to prevent a rise in blood pressure. Some patients can lower their blood pressure by limiting salt in their diet. Increasing physical activity and reducing alcohol consumption to the minimum of less than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women may also lower blood pressure.