Whether you call it hypertension or high blood pressure this particular ailment still remains the number one "silent killer!" It is called the "silent killer" because so many people don't even know they have high blood pressure. Current government statistics estimate that approximately 33% of American adults have high blood pressure. This is up from the 1990s when approximately 25% of adults were dealing with this health issue.
The medical community gets hyper about hypertension and so should you. When you have an elevated blood pressure you are at a higher risk for heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, erectile dysfunction and several other serious medical conditions. Hypertension affects both men and women, especially those in the African American community.
7 Natural Steps
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute issued two reports in 2002 and 2003 that helped to establish national guidelines for the treatment and prevention of hypertension. Several respected organizations have since added to their initial recommendations. What is interesting to note is that the first line of defense in preventing and controlling hypertension is a healthier and realistic lifestyle. Although medication can be part of the solution, it is not the first step as you so often see in the media. My goal and the goal of these national organizations are to help you realize that you have far greater control over your blood pressure than you realize. With this in mind, here are 7 steps to help empower you to take the hyper out of hypertension.
Step 1 - Monitor Your Blood Pressure! This is the first and easiest of all the steps. If you do not know what your current blood pressure reading is or if you have not had your blood pressure taken in the last 6 months, then get to a local pharmacist, health clinic or qualified medical professional. Have them take your blood pressure. This will be your base line and will help to determine what your next step should be.
Your blood pressure will be given to you in two numbers such as 110/70 mm Hg. Your systolic number is the first and highest number. If this number is 140 or above then you have high blood pressure! Your diastolic number is the second and lowest number. If this number is 90 or above then you have high blood pressure! And, if both numbers are above 140/90 then you have high blood pressure or hypertension. The higher above this threshold the greater your health risk.
Step 2 - Stop Smoking! For many this will be your hardest step but it is also the most important one to take. Most people equate smoking with cancer. While this association is true smoking is also the number one risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that 40% of all cardiovascular deaths are due to smoking.
Smoking will increase blood pressure. The carcinogenic components in tobacco damage the endothelial cells that line the walls of the arteries. This effects your nitric oxide production which we will talk about in Step 7. The carbon monoxide from the burned tobacco interferes with the blood's ability to carry oxygen. This increases your heart rate and can raise your systolic blood pressure. Smoking also constricts the blood vessels in your arms and legs. This increases the resistance to blood flow which causes your diastolic blood pressure to increase.
Step 3 - Lose Weight! Let me be very clear about this. Blood pressure rises with body weight. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 66% of adults age 20 years and older are overweight with 32% clinically obese. Overweight and obesity are at an all-time high. It is one of the main reasons why hypertension is also at an all time high. Losing weight can lower both your systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It is estimated that for every 20 pounds you lose, you can drop your systolic blood pressure 5-20 points.
The medical community gets hyper about hypertension and so should you. When you have an elevated blood pressure you are at a higher risk for heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, erectile dysfunction and several other serious medical conditions. Hypertension affects both men and women, especially those in the African American community.
7 Natural Steps
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute issued two reports in 2002 and 2003 that helped to establish national guidelines for the treatment and prevention of hypertension. Several respected organizations have since added to their initial recommendations. What is interesting to note is that the first line of defense in preventing and controlling hypertension is a healthier and realistic lifestyle. Although medication can be part of the solution, it is not the first step as you so often see in the media. My goal and the goal of these national organizations are to help you realize that you have far greater control over your blood pressure than you realize. With this in mind, here are 7 steps to help empower you to take the hyper out of hypertension.
Step 1 - Monitor Your Blood Pressure! This is the first and easiest of all the steps. If you do not know what your current blood pressure reading is or if you have not had your blood pressure taken in the last 6 months, then get to a local pharmacist, health clinic or qualified medical professional. Have them take your blood pressure. This will be your base line and will help to determine what your next step should be.
Your blood pressure will be given to you in two numbers such as 110/70 mm Hg. Your systolic number is the first and highest number. If this number is 140 or above then you have high blood pressure! Your diastolic number is the second and lowest number. If this number is 90 or above then you have high blood pressure! And, if both numbers are above 140/90 then you have high blood pressure or hypertension. The higher above this threshold the greater your health risk.
Step 2 - Stop Smoking! For many this will be your hardest step but it is also the most important one to take. Most people equate smoking with cancer. While this association is true smoking is also the number one risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that 40% of all cardiovascular deaths are due to smoking.
Smoking will increase blood pressure. The carcinogenic components in tobacco damage the endothelial cells that line the walls of the arteries. This effects your nitric oxide production which we will talk about in Step 7. The carbon monoxide from the burned tobacco interferes with the blood's ability to carry oxygen. This increases your heart rate and can raise your systolic blood pressure. Smoking also constricts the blood vessels in your arms and legs. This increases the resistance to blood flow which causes your diastolic blood pressure to increase.
Step 3 - Lose Weight! Let me be very clear about this. Blood pressure rises with body weight. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 66% of adults age 20 years and older are overweight with 32% clinically obese. Overweight and obesity are at an all-time high. It is one of the main reasons why hypertension is also at an all time high. Losing weight can lower both your systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It is estimated that for every 20 pounds you lose, you can drop your systolic blood pressure 5-20 points.


