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Topic of the Month

High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). It's measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). High blood pressure (or hypertension) is defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure.

A blood pressure reading below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. In general, lower is better. However, very low blood pressure can sometimes be a cause for concern and should be checked out by a doctor.

High blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and stroke, especially when it's present with other risk factors.

High blood pressure can occur in children or adults, but it's more common among people over age 35. It's particularly prevalent in middle-aged, elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women taking birth control pills. It may run in families, but many people with a strong family history of high blood pressure never have it. People with diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease are more likely to have high blood pressure, too.

 Symptoms:

  • Pain experienced at the back of the head and neck on waking up, which soon disappears.

  • Dizziness

  • Palpitations

  • Heart pain

  • Frequent urination

  • Nervous tension

  • Fatigue

  • Breathing Problem

Root Causes:

  • Stress and hectic life-style.

  • Vitiation of Vata

  • Smoking and an excessive intake of intoxicants

  • Hardening of the arteries

  • Obesity

  • Metabolic disorders

  • Excessive intake of common table salt

  • Overloading of fast foods

Some people may not find out they have it until they have trouble with their heart, brain, or kidneys. When high blood pressure is not found and treated, it can cause:

  • The heart to get larger, which may lead to heart failure.

  • Small bulges (aneurysms (AN-u-risms)) to form in blood vessels. Common locations are the main artery from the heart (aorta); arteries in the brain, legs, and intestines; and the artery leading to the spleen.

  • Blood vessels in the kidney to narrow, which may cause kidney failure.

  • Arteries throughout the body to "harden" faster, especially those in the heart, brain, kidneys, and legs. This can cause a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or amputation of part of the leg.

  • Blood vessels in the eyes to burst or bleed, which may cause vision changes and can result in blindness.

Categories for Blood Pressure Levels in Adults (in mmHg, millimeters of mercury)

Category

Systolic (top number)

Diastolic (bottom number)
Normal

Less than 120

Less than 80
Prehypertension

120–139

80–89
High blood pressure

 

 
     Stage 1

140–159

90–99
     Stage 2

160 or higher

100 or higher

Herbs that are useful in High Blood Pressure:

Herbs for high blood pressure are increasingly being used as a mode of treatment in Ayurveda.

  • Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina)

  • Garlic (Allium sativum)

  • Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

  • Jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamamsi)

  • Shankapushpi (Clitoria ternatea)

  • Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina)

 The Rauwolfia constituent ajmaline not only lowers blood pressure, but also has a potent anti arrhythmic effect which used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Rauwolfia work by controlling nerve impulses along with certain nerve pathways. As a result, they act on the heart and blood vessels to lower blood pressure.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic has a reputation for assisting with blood pressure management. It helps reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Jatamansi (Nardostychos jatamansi):

It alleviates blood pressure and relaxes the mind. It is a good cardiac stimulant, and hence useful in treating palpitation of the heart.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):

Ashwagandha is well known for its restorative action in nervous system and counteracting high blood pressure. It is rich in antioxidants and counteracts anxiety and stress to promote a calm state of mind.

Other Herbs which is also effective :

Saffron (Crocus sativus):

Saffron contains a chemical called crocetin that lowers the blood pressure. You can use saffron in your cooking. (It is a very popular spice in Arabic cooking.) You can also make a tea with it.

 Onion (Allium cepa):

Onions are useful in hypertension.

 Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum).

Tomatoes are high in gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a compound that can help bring down blood pressure.

 Carrot (Daucus carota):

Carrots also contain several compounds that lower blood pressure.

Ayurvedic supplements helpful in High Blood pressure:

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