High blood pressure or hypertension, is when your blood pressure, which is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels, is consistently very high.
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries and the amount of blood your heart pumps. The more blood your heart pumps, and the narrower your arteries, this will result in higher blood pressure.
Causes of High Blood Pressure or Hypertension:
Cause of hypertension can be numerous and vary from person to person. Some of the most known causes are:
- Age: The risk of high blood pressure increases as one age. Until approximately age 64, high blood pressure is more common in men. While women are more likely to develop high blood pressure after age 65.
- Family History: High blood pressure tends to run in families.
- Smoking: The chemicals present in tobacco can damage the lining of your artery walls. This can cause your arteries to narrow, therefore, increasing your risk of heart disease. Also, secondhand smoke can increase your heart disease risk.
- Overweight or Obesity: The more you weigh, the more blood is needed to supply nutrients and oxygen to your tissues. As the volume of blood circulated through your blood vessels increases, also the pressure on your artery walls.
- High Salt (Sodium) in your diet: Too much salt in your diet can cause your body to retain fluid, threfore, increasing blood pressure.
Common Signs of High Blood Pressure:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue or consusion
- Severe headache
- Vision problems
- Pounding in your neck, chest, or ears
The risk of hypertension is higher in adults; but, even younger people can be diagnosed with high blood pressure.
How to Control Your Blood Pressure:
- Lead a healthier lifestyle
- Maintain ideal weight
- Get enough sleep, about 7-8 hours per day
- Minimize consumption of alcohol and salty foods
- Work out on a regular basis
Best Method for Reducing High Blood Pressure:
Applying pressure to these specific parts of your body can be a great help to normalize your high blood pressure. There are 2 main pressure points.
1st Point
1. This point goes from the middle of the clavicle into the back of your earlobe.
2. Massage this area through the use of your fingertips.
3. Do at least 10 repetitions on each side.
2nd Point
1. Start from your nose and go to the ear.
2. Massage each side for a couple of minutes.
Sources:
Heart Org
Healthy Food Choices
Mayo Clinic
Recommended Articles:
1. High Blood Pressure: 7 Natural Ways to Control Hypertension
2. Top Foods You Should Avoid When You Have High Blood Pressure
3. Tips For Managing High Blood Pressure
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