In the previous article about heart disease, we have learned that one the factors behind heart disease is high blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension is one of main health problem. The American Heart Association estimates that one three adults in the United States suffer hypertension.
Residents aged over 20 years suffering from hypertension reached 74.5 million and almost 95% the cause is unknown, and only 5% of hypertension who have a known cause. And hypertension is one of the biggest risk factors effect on mortality and morbidity due to heart disease and blood vessels. So that hypertension said to be a silent killer.
Understanding high blood pressure
The definition of normal blood pressure is the blood pressure in below 120/80 mmHg. Numeral 120 is a blood pressure Systolic, which is the blood pressure in the arteries when the heart contract. While the 80 is pressure diastolic, is the pressure of blood in the arteries when the heart relaxation. The unit used is mmHg.Hypertension is a condition where blood pressure against the artery wall high enough so that it can detrimental to health.
Blood pressure is determined two factors that blood volume in the pump and resistance blood vessel. The more blood pump and the more narrow the blood vessels, the blood pressure higher. Blood pressure between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg called pre-hypertension, and blood pressure above 140/90 categorized as high blood pressure. Measurement performed twice with a pause of 5 minutes and pretty break.
Complications of high blood pressure enough, including heart disease, kidney disease, hardening of the arteries, eye damage, and brain damage.
Cause
Hypertension is caused by several things possible not a single stand. For example:
1. Consumption of salt
Consumption of sodium in salt affects blood pressure.
2. Genetic and age
Hereditary factors increase the potential of developing hypertension up to 2 times higher. The higher age would increase the risk of hypertension.
3. Artery abnormalities
Arteries that are not normal, such as too rigid, will increases the risk of hypertension.
4. Diseases of the kidneys (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis)
5. hormonal disorders (Cushing's syndrome, hyperaldosteronism)
6. Medications (oral contraception, cocaine, alcohol)
7. Other causes (pre-eclampsia, acute lead poisoning)
8. Smoking
Nicotine in cigarettes will cause your blood pressure increased. Nicotine is absorbed by the blood vessels small in the lungs and circulate to the brain. Brain then will release adrenaline. Adrenalin will
improve the work of the heart and blood vessels, thus increased blood pressure. Additionally, carbon dioxide replaces oxygen in the blood. As a result of heart forced to work harder to make ends meet oxygen in other organs. More details about smoking here.
Another thing that also play a role in the onset of hypertension is cholesterol, obesity, lack of exercise, caffeine excess, and excess emotion.
The common symptoms complained of hypertension are:
- Headache
- Feeling stiff and uncomfortable on the neck
- Feeling of spinning and seemed to want to fall
- Palpitations and heart rate was fast
- Ringing in the ears
Prevention
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We can prevention of hypertension with few steps
following.
1. Lose weight
Obesity is one of the supporting factors hypertension. If your weight is excess, do diet weight loss. There are many diets that can guide you choose.
2. Exercise
Do exercise regularly so that the heart always optimally trained so it can pump blood and with optimal oxygen.
3. Manage your emotions well
Self-control in all situations will help your heart to remain normal. If the you are angry, try to sit or lie down until you angry subsides. If you need a shower for your body refreshed.
Treatment
The main thing to do is change the style life, particularly with regard to diet and Sports. Furthermore, if necessary, the doctor will giving certain drugs. The goal of treatment is to reduce hypertension advanced risk and prevent organ damage. So , patients should obediently follow medical instructions.
Lowering and controlling blood pressure is an attempt to reduce the risk of death and complications hypertension such as heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke.
The fruit can you eat to reduce the pressure high blood pressure is a fruit that contains a lot of potassium. Some choices are:
1. Bananas
Bananas contain a lot of potassium. Potassium can lower but strengthen the employment rate of heart contractions.
2. Tomatoes
Contain a lot of potassium and lycopene tomatoes. Consumption of tomatoes able to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and systolic. Choose tomatoes fresh and not tomatoes that have been preserved.
3. Citrus, Kiwi, Watermelon and papaya
Choose fresh fruit. You can consume in the form of fruit or juice.
Besides fruits, some of the following foods can also be used as the lowering of blood pressure.
1. Spinach
Spinach contains a lot of fiber, high in potassium, folate and magnesium is good for the heart.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Many contain potassium and helps the kidneys remove sodium. Potato skins are high in fiber, should be eaten.
3. The egg whites
Protein and peptide in the egg white helps lowering blood pressure. Egg yolks should not edible if you have hypertension.
4. Dark chocolate
Choose chocolate containing 70% cocoa powder or more, consumption as much as 30 calories for 18 weeks.
5. Skim milk
For patients with hypertension, consumption of 400-600 cc each day. Skim milk contains calcium, potassium and magnesium great for your heart and blood vessels.