Creating Your Healthy Life - Hypertension

"Creating Your Healthy Life"

Today we are going to discuss "Hypertension" or "High Blood Pressure".

Blood pressure can be defined as the pressure or force that is applied against the artery walls as blood is carried through the circulatory system. It is recorded as a measurement of this force in relation to the heart's pumping activity, and is measured in millimeters of mercury. The top number, systolic pressure is the measurement of the pressure that occurs when the heart contracts of beats. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, is the measurement recorded between beats, while the heart is at rest.

Hypertension itself is not a disease but, rather one warning of the manifestation of a disease. It is an indicator that the force required for blood flow is greater than normal. Because the heart is working harder than normal, high blood pressure increases the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, kidney failure and atherosclerosis. When the heart works harder, over a period of time, it tends to enlarge. High blood pressure also causes the arteries to become scarred, hardened and less elastic. This in turn can limit the amount of blood flowing to the organ; can cause blood clots in the arteries; and can ultimately damage the heart, brain and kidneys. Because persons with hypertension may not exhibit any symptoms, they often go undiagnosed until complications occur. This is why it is known as the "silent killer"!

Risk factors associated with hypertension that can be controlled are lifestyle related: obesity, lack of exercise, diet, stress, use of certain medications, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Hypertension is a powerful indicator of disease in other body systems. Thus, it is not just a blood pressure reduction numbers game therefore it is worthwhile to consider associated underlying cardiovascular disease and treatment protocols when treating hypertension as well as the individual's unique response to various conventional and integrated therapies. Conventional doctors treat hypertension in one or both ways, 1) change lifestyle and eating habits 2) prescribing medications. Alternative practitioners seek to address the underlying cause and correct it.

Maintaining adequate dietary minerals may protect against high blood pressure as well as adding nutrients which may reduce or eliminate the need for anti-hypertension medications. Individuals wanting to replace drugs with a supplement protocol must do so with the cooperation of a physician and have their blood pressure taken regularly.

Please feel free to email me with your questions and/or comments.
Have a FABULOUS week!
Blessings! PAM

www.heyenwellnesstherapies.com
pam@heyenwellnesstherapies.com