Understanding Hypertension Useful Information About Hypertension
Hypertension is the medical term for a condition in which the arterial blood pressure is consistently above the normal range. A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers. The number at the top represents systolic pressure. This is the amount of pressure that the heart generates when pumping blood out through the arteries. The number below represents diastolic pressure. This is the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest, in between beats. When the reading is above the 140 (systolic)/90 (diastolic) range, it denotes hypertension TYPES OF HYPERTENSION: There are two major types of hypertension: Essential or primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension is the most common condition, found in 95 per cent of the cases. It has no definite cause. There are several factors that may act in combination, causing the blood pressure to increase. Secondary hypertension is found in five to ten per cent the cases. Here, the increase in blood pressure is caused by a specific defect in one of the organs in the body. Treating the affected organ can control or cure the hypertension. Other types of hypertension include malignant hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, white coat hypertension and resistant hypertension. Malignant hypertension is severe and can lead to damage of organs such as the heart, kidneys and the brain. Isolated systolic hypertension results from age related loss of elasticity of arteries, when the blood pressure is consistently above 160/91 mm Hg. White coat hypertension is caused by
anxiety and can be controlled by incorporating changes in lifestyle. Resistant hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure cannot be reduced below 140/90 mm Hg, despite medication.
Causes of Hypertension: There are two types of hypertension. One occurs due to the increase in the pressure of the heart while beating., mostly due to old age. This type of hypertension called essential hypertension or primary hypertension. This condition can be controlled with the proper precautions, and many people with essential hypertension may live for eighty years or more. The other called Malignant hypertension occurs due to the disorders of any of the vital organs, such as the brain, the liver and the kidneys. Hormonal imbalances can also cause hypertension in some cases. These are very fatal and need to remedied urgently. Malignant Hypertension is also called Secondary Hypertension
Hypertension Symptoms: Some of the common symptoms of hypertension are: • Giddiness, Dizziness and a Feeling of Instability. • Palpitations. • Insomnia (inability to sleep well). • Digestive problems and Constipation. Treatment of Hypertension: Hypertension, like any other physical disorder needs to be treated by a physician. Yet, hypertension, not being a disease but only a condition can be controlled through diet, exercise and adjustment of lifestyle. There are several claims about "cures" for hypertension through use of herbal medicines and other remedies. I do not like to go into the merits of these claims. But there is a simple method which does not involve use of any drugs or remedies. This technique called Slow Breathing can bring down your blood pressure quickly and almost effortlessly. This method has medical recognition - FDA approved, easy to use and practicable by all. This method has been used and endorsed by such institutions of repute as the Harvard Medical School, The Mayo Clinic, RushPresbyterian Hospital and the American Heart Association. Studies published in the Journal of Human Hypertension and numerous other respected medical journals reveal that: Breathing slowly and deeply (less than 10 breaths per minute) for 10 to 15 minutes a day while extending exhalation results in significant reductions in blood pressure.
That is because gentle, slow breathing acts like a natural safety valve to relax muscle tension, especially in the chest area, allowing constricted blood vessels to open and relieve pressure on the heart.