High blood pressure is a problem that affects 30 percent of the Italian population, and this percentage rises to 50 percent if we consider people over 60.
When the pressure is high
There are several stages of high blood pressureIn the initial stages, which should not be underestimated, the maximum blood pressure ranges between 140 and 159, while the minimum can vary from 90 to 99. A hypertensive crisis, requiring emergency care, is when the maximum blood pressure exceeds 180 and the minimum blood pressure exceeds 110. Pay attention to some specific circumstances that can affect blood pressure readings. It is higher in the morning, while it tends to drop during the night. It is higher after eating and in the presence of particular emotional situations.
Index of topics
Systolic and diastolic hypertension
High blood pressure is not, in and of itself, a disease, but a risk factor, particularly high when combined with other risk factors (such as obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption), for all the most serious cardiovascular diseases. This is why hypertension, even if transient, should never be underestimated. Arterial hypertension is defined as systolic if the abnormal values concern only the maximum blood pressure; it is called diastolic if the abnormal values concern the minimum blood pressure. Systolic-diastolic hypertension occurs when both the minimum and maximum blood pressure are excessive.
Causes and risk factors
Unfortunately, there are not a few and certain causes that explain hypertension, but at least we can make a reliable picture of the decisive factors, distinguishing primary hypertension (linked to specific causes), from that secondary (linked to other pathologies). In the case of primary hypertension, aside from the decisive risk factors (poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, stress, excess weight), there are those that come from afar and are more difficult to address. We're talking about a genetic predisposition of our organism, a family history of high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, trough, aging and a sedentary lifestyle. In the case of secondary hypertension, the most common causes are serious kidney and heart diseases, diabetes, the problems at the thyroid, pregnancy, sleep apnea syndrome, drug use, some medications such as the birth control pill.
Hypertension and cell phones
A study from Guangzhou University in China, which observed 200 volunteers for 12 consecutive years, has yielded some very interesting conclusions. Those who spend more than 30 minutes on the phone a week are 12 percent more likely to develop hypertension than those who make short calls. This risk increases to 25 percent if weekly cell phone conversations range from 4 to 6 hours. According to researchers, the effect of cell phones on blood pressure may be due to the radio frequencies emitted during conversations. These emissions may raise blood pressure until it stabilizes at higher than normal levels.
Symptoms
In most cases, hypertension is asymptomatic, but it can be accompanied by general and nonspecific symptoms. For example:
- Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus
- Headache, especially in the morning
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Changes in vision with the appearance of bright spots before the eyes or black vision
- Nosebleeds
- Cold sweats
- Feeling of anxiety
High blood pressure is also called a "silent killer" precisely because it appears without obvious symptoms. This makes it even more insidious, while it should encourage people with a tendency to have abnormal readings to monitor it at home with a simple, periodic blood pressure check.
Damages of high blood pressure
Unfortunately, in the long term, high blood pressure damages the entire body and causes damage that affects different parts of the body.
- High blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, compromising their filtering function. This can lead to dialysis.
- High blood pressure affects the eye vessels, causing them to become much thicker. Blood circulates worse and in smaller quantities: this damages and poses a danger to the retina, resulting in very significant visual impairment.
- People with hypertension are at much higher risk of heart attack and cardiovascular problems than those without these conditions. The reason is simple: the heart must work much harder to pump blood effectively. This causes it to become overworked, eventually becoming exhausted.
- High blood pressure, in the long term, also leads to an increased risk of aneurysms, which, when ruptured, cause hemorrhagic strokes. The risk of ictus ischemic, linked to the occlusion of a vessel.
Diagnosis
Given the asymptomatic nature of hypertension, it's recommended to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year after age 18. For people at risk, or who are severely overweight, and those with a family history of hypertension, the recommended blood pressure checks are at least three to four times a year.
Natural remedies
Natural remedies for combating hypertension and eliminating it completely involve lifestyle factors and start with two elements: physical activity and diet. Some research on the effects of exercise on blood pressure reduction reports the following results: on average, walking, cycling, or even gymnastics in the gym or outdoors are associated with a reduction of 4 to 12 millimeters of mercury for diastolic blood pressure (the lowest blood pressure) and 3 to 6 millimeters for systolic blood pressure (the highest blood pressure). In short, physical activity is far more effective for treating high blood pressure than any medication, with all its contraindications and side effects. Then there's diet: for starters, olive oil and salad, two key foods in our diet. Mediterranean dietAs research conducted by Professor Philip Eaton of King's College London in collaboration with a team of researchers from the University of California shows, both foods contain fatty acids that can control high blood pressure, a natural protective blend that can prevent heart disease. Diet plays an important role in preventing hypertension: this is coupled with the need to significantly reduce alcohol consumption. and quit smoking.
Infusions and decoctions for high blood pressure
Hawthorn infusion
When your blood pressure is slightly higher than normal, you can try using infusions and decoctions based on two natural products that are usually very effective: hawthorn and the olive tree. These infusions The decoctions are very easy to prepare and can even be taken in conjunction with medical treatment. As long as your doctor is informed and agrees with your choice, hawthorn infusion has antioxidant, hypotensive, relaxing, and heart and circulation-protective properties.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon equal to 2 grams of hawthorn
- Boiling water
Preparation
- Leave to infuse for about 15 minutes
- Filter
- Drink the infusion twice a day, morning and evening
Olive decoction
Olive tree decoction is a valuable ally against hypertension thanks to the active ingredients contained in its evergreen leaves, which are covered with a very fine down on the underside.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon chopped, dried olive leaves (double the amount if the leaves are fresh)
- 150 ml of boiling water
Preparation
- Add the leaves and bring the water to a boil
- Continue boiling for another 10 minutes
- Turn off the heat and leave to infuse for another 10 minutes
- Filter and consume two cups a day, morning and evening.
How much does being overweight affect high blood pressure?
There is one very close link between weight and high blood pressureObese, or even overweight, people certainly have higher-than-normal blood pressure readings. And the heart works harder to pump blood: hence the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly stroke and heart attack. Conversely, for every kilogram of weight lost, blood pressure drops by one millimeter of mercury. We might conclude that the battle to defeat hypertension is won primarily with a healthy body weight. But what should we consider a healthy body weight? Just keep an eye on your waistline: for men, it should not exceed 100 centimeters, and for women, 85 centimeters.
drugs
Given that lifestyle and diet are key factors in the fight against high blood pressure, there are cases in which the values do not return to normal even after adjusting these two crucial aspects. And so, always and only on doctor's advice, we resort to drugs. Nowadays, there are many effective medicines to lower blood pressure and normalize it, and they range from ACE inhibitors ai Beta-blockersThe choice should be made based on the doctor's decisions, who will be able to evaluate the best treatment options and any contraindications, and then select the most appropriate medication. The only sure thing, whatever medication is selected and prescribed, is the timing. Pharmacological treatment for hypertension certainly lasts for years, but in some cases it can even last a lifetime. But this way, at least, worse problems can be avoided.
Prevention
To combat hypertension it is essential:
- Significantly reduce the consumption of salt, a real enemy for those suffering from this pathology. In any case, one should not exceed 5 grams of sodium per day, paying attention to the amount hidden in foods.
- Eat fruits and vegetables, fish, whole grains and nuts regularly
- Avoid stress as much as possible and counteract it with relaxing exercises
- Get regular exercise, 30 to 60 minutes a day. Walking, cycling, and taking the stairs are all good options.
- Don't smoke: cigarettes are an enemy of blood pressure and a puff of smoke, even passive, immediately raises its values.
- Substantially reduce the consumption of alcohol and spirits
- Get regular medical checkups to monitor your health. And in any case, take your blood pressure measurements every now and then, either at home or at a pharmacy.
Even some specific foods They can be useful in the treatment of hypertension, although it is still necessary to consult your doctor in order to exclude possible complications caused by certain pathologies such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
Garlic
It promotes vasodilation and prevents blood clots: simply including one clove of garlic a day in your diet is enough to reap these benefits. Garlic also has antibacterial properties and positive effects on cholesterol.
Oatmeal
It contains a large amount of soluble fiber which can lower bad cholesterol levels which, in turn, can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Omega 3
These are the famous acids that protect both the cardiovascular system and blood pressure. They're found in a wide variety of foods, starting with fish, and also in cod liver oil, both liquid and in pill form.
Foods to avoid with high blood pressure
Since salt is the main enemy of blood pressure, people with hypertension should steer clear of naturally salty foods. Consider, for example, all cured meats. But you should also consider aged cheeses, snacks, and high-fat sauces. Be careful with fried and sautéed foods, too. These are small sacrifices, but they're worth it for your health.
Read also:
- Low blood pressure: natural remedies and prevention
- Headaches: causes, remedies, and prevention
- High cholesterol: how to lower it without medication. With the right diet and a little walking.
- Back pain: tips and natural remedies to prevent it and get back in shape quickly.
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