Hypertension a.k.a. High Blood Pressure

Persons suffering from high blood pressure must take extra caution and care especially summer where the environment temperature are hot or gets extremely hot thus may result on a faster attack of high blood pressure.
Hypertension which can result when the arterial diameter is reduced (as when cholesterol is deposited in the arterial lining) or when the blood volume flowing through the arteries is increased (as during intense activity).  Increased pressure caused by reduced diameter of the arteries plays a greater role in hypertension.

Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or ranger between 90/60 to 140/90. When higher than 140/90, blood pressure is usually described as hypertension.

Probable Causes

   • High sodium intake.  Sodium (salt) and other dietary factors have been studied to see whether they play a role in the development of hypertension.  Studies have shown that even mild restriction of sodium can produce a modest but definite fall in blood pressure.

   • Kidney diseases

   • Various hormonal imbalances

   • Unknown, sometimes

Note: If hypertension goes unchecked, the result is heart failure which may lead to further problems such as stroke and kidney damage.

Probable Symptoms

   • Breathlessness

   • Nose bleeding with no apparent cause

   • Severe headache localized in some part of the head, which occur in early morning hours, accompanied by nausea, and vision becoming progressively worse.

   • Dizziness when diastolic pressure is above 110.

Note: In most cases, there are no signs or symptoms.  Hence regular blood pressure checkup is vital.

Helpful Dietary Management

   • Eat a lowsalt diet, at the same time, lowfat diet.

   • Include foods high in potassium.

   • Lose weight (for overweights).