High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Research shows that high blood pressure starts much early in life and at times goes undetected for decades until it shows itself in symptoms. It usually, is one of the most common cause for heart disease. In an extensive research carried around the world for six years, a scientific panel learned that the problems in the cardiovascular system (heart and the vessels carrying blood) can begin at much lower blood pressure levels than previously believed .

It concluded that the risk of heart disease and stroke can begin to rise when blood pressure increases past 120/80. That?s why the panel developed a new range called ?Pre hypertension?- for readings between 120/80 and 139/89. People with blood pressure readings in the Pre-hypertension range are now encouraged to adopt life style changes to lower their blood pressure levels or else they would develop hypertension (high blood pressure) and become prone to heart disease and Stroke.

Blood pressure is measure of pressure exerted by the flowing blood on the walls of arteries .It is measured in two numbers ?systolic over diastolic?. Systolic the top number is the pressure exerted when the heart pumps the blood, diastolic the bottom number is the pressure exerted when the heart is resting between the two beats. People with blood pressure readings over 140/90 are said to be having hypertension.

Although Pathological causes such as Pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal), coarctation of aorta (bending of a major artery) and renal diseases are not so common but need to excluded as being the cause for hypertension.. When no such cause is ascertained the increased blood pressure is called as ?Essential Hypertension?. Essential Hypertension in young is generally an out come of a faulty living habits- which mainly include improper diet, sedentary life style, alcohol and smoking. Genetic factors also play a role in its early onset. High blood pressure is dangerous as it makes the heart work hard and contributes to hardening of the arteries. It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke .It can also lead to kidney and eye diseases.

The treatment of prehypertension and hypertension in young requires a combination of a well rounded homoeopathic intervention and restructuring of one lifestyle .Homoeopathic intervention aims at treating the whole patient and not just the symptoms .Among many homoeopathic medicines that are found useful, Nux Vomica leads the table in treating essential hypertension in the young when the cause can be attributed to faulty living style i.e. . Sedentary living, overwork, stimulants etc. Ignatia and Kali Phos are helpful when mental stress are the key causative factors. Natrum Mur helps those who are addicted to high salt diet and also where long standing grief is the cause for elevated blood pressure levels. Medicines mentioned above are for information purpose only and should not be used without professional help.

Preventing hypertension

Adopting Lifestyle modifications can be of great help for those in the prehypertension stage and also those suffering from hypertension.

Diet

Reduce sodium intake, which basically means reducing salt intake .Eat more whole grains, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables and low fat diary products. Reduce alcohol intake and for smoking, in short ?don?t?. Limit intake of saturated fats (animal fats).

Stress

Eliminate unnecessary elements of stress in your life and try activities like meditation, yoga, dancing, regular walks etc. Certain homoeopathic medicines are a natural form of reducing stress.

Obesity and Exercise.

Being overweight means that your heart will have to work more hard, resulting in higher blood pressure. Keep a regular check on your cholesterol levels. Regular exercise is must for maintaining ideal blood pressure levels