Under Pressure: A Guide to Treating High Blood Pressure

Do you remember the old cartoons where steam blew out of a character’s head when he or she was angry? Sometimes the stresses of life can make you feel like you’re about to “blow” and result in an increase of your own body’s pressure – your blood pressure. Read on to learn why it’s crucial to maintain healthy blood pressure.

Do you remember the old cartoons where steam blew out of a character’s head when he or she was angry? Have you ever felt like you’re about to “blow” in that same manner at times in your life? Unfortunately, you don’t have that sort of “release” to let off pressure. And sometimes the stresses of life, along with other factors, can result in an increase your own body’s pressure – your blood pressure.

Since it’s unlikely that scientists will develop a way to release pressure like the cartoon characters you adore, we’ve included some information below that will help you understand the importance of blood pressure and how to treat and manage high blood pressure.

Take a look . . .

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a sneaky condition, and if you don’t see a doctor for an annual exam, you may not even know you have it. The effects of ignorance or denial regarding high blood pressure are staggering: one in three adults has high blood pressure—over 73 million people in the United States alone—with death rates increasing 26 percent from 1994 to 2004.

It doesn’t have to be that way, as high blood pressure is one of the easiest conditions to diagnose and treat. At the doctor’s office, a nurse will likely measure your blood pressure by placing an inflatable cuff around your upper arm. If your pressure isn’t a regular part of your exam, it should be, so ask to have it measured at every visit.

Blood pressure is a combination of systolic pressure, which is measured when your heart is beating, and diastolic pressure, a measure of heart pressure between beats. Normal blood pressure, read as systolic over diastolic, is 120/80 or lower. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, that number needs to be below 130/80.

If your pressure is 140/90 or higher, you are officially considered to have high blood pressure and may need to make lifestyle changes or take medications and supplements to get your blood pressure under control.

Treatment Options

The DASH Diet, which was created by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, limits salt and sodium and encourages consumption of calcium, magnesium and potassium, all of which have been shown to help lower blood pressure. Whole grains, produce and low-fat meat and dairy products are also key. A study conducted in 2005 showed that the DASH diet effectively lowers systolic and diastolic pressure in as little as two weeks.

Getting the blood pumping also helps lower blood pressure. Perform a combination of dynamic aerobic exercise (such as jogging, swimming, cycling and jumping rope) with static isometric exercise (weight lifting). Consult your doctor and a certified personal trainer to determine a suitable level of exertion and to put together an exercise plan that fits into your lifestyle.  Several health clubs offer specialized programs for people with high blood pressure as well.

Natural remedies can also help lower blood pressure. Garlic has been shown to have a positive effect among people with mild high blood pressure, as has folic acid and hawthorn, an herb that is a member of the rose family. Also consider Coenzyme Q-10, a supplement that significantly reduced systolic and diastolic pressure in a 12-week Australian study.

By getting your blood pressure under control, you’ll be miles closer to living a longer, healthier life. Now, if only the cartoon characters could get their pressure in check!