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What is high blood pressure and how is it measured
L’hypertension arterial is a condition in which there is an alteration of blood pressure, a very common disorder in the population of industrialized countries. Blood pressure is easily measured by the doctor or pharmacist thanks to a tool called sphingomanometer and at home, using certified appliances. Measurements should be made while seated in a comfortable environment after resting for approximately five minutes. To obtain a reliable result, it is also important to measure blood pressure at least one hour after consuming exciting drinks, such as coffee or ginseng, and for smokers half an hour after the last cigarette smoked.
The sphingomanometer is equipped with a bracelet about fifteen centimeters long which should be positioned on the arm at the height of the heart, 2-3 centimeters from the crease of the elbow. The cuff is then inflated and deflated slowly, measuring the maximum or systolic pressure and the minimum or diastolic pressure. THE pressure values they vary over the course of the day, and when the blood pressure is measured by the doctor, it is a little higher than normal due to emotional components, so sometimes it is necessary to take multiple measurements to get a diagnosis. In general, the optimal or normal values are 120-130 mmHg for systolic pressure and 80-85 for diastolic pressure. Consequently, we speak of high blood pressure or mild hypertension when the maximum is greater than 140 mmHg and the minimum is greater than 90 mmHg. As these values rise, the blood pressure is considered moderate (160/100 mmHg) or severe (189/110 mmHg). High blood pressure is easily treatable but in the absence of interventions it can lead to serious health consequences.
Causes and health risks
High blood pressure affects most people over 60 years of age, especially in industrialized countries, and how often it occurs it increases with increasing age. The onset of hypertension is favored by certain habits and behaviors, which are absolutely controllable. Among these we find the high consumption of salt and a low intake of potassium from the diet, in addition to cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, overweight and obesity and stress.
Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, leading causes of death in Western countries. The increase in blood pressure, in fact, causes a increased strain on the part of the heart to pump blood into the bloodstream and damages the walls of blood vessels causing a series of chain events that can lead to strokes, heart attacks, aneurysms, retinopathies and chronic renal failure. Generally hypertension it causes no symptoms but, as we have seen, it is easily diagnosed by your doctor. Those suffering from mild hypertension can intervene by correcting eating habits and lifestyle and resorting to natural remedies, clearly under the supervision of the doctor and not relying on DIY.
Natural remedies
Nature provides some effective natural remedies that can help in case of mild hypertension. Such remedies can be useful when associated with aadequate nutrition, moderate but constant exercise and a healthy lifestyle, which excludes smoking and alcohol abuse. Also, natural remedies for high blood pressure should be taken after consulting your doctor.
Garlic
Garlic bulbs (Allium sativum) contain essential oils with hypertensive action. The properties of garlic have been attributed in particular to sulfur compounds such as alliin and its derivatives. Garlic acts like vasodilator, decreasing blood pressure. It is taken in the form of a dry extract, usually in tablets, and is often found associated with other herbs that are beneficial for the heart and circulation, such as hawthorn.
Hawthorn
The flowers and leaves of hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) are rich in moderate flavonoids diuretic and vasodilant action. It is taken in the form of herbal tea or dry extract, alone or in combination with other remedies, especially in case of heart failure but also to reduce blood pressure.
Olive tree
The olive tree is a precious plant with numerous properties. From the fruits of the olive tree (Olea europea) extra virgin olive oil is extracted, rich in polyphenols that are beneficial for the health of the heart and the circulatory system. In addition to oil, to reduce the pressure we also resort to leaves dried, rich in oleuropein and flavonoids with antioxidant, diuretic and hypotensive action.
Carcadè
The carcadè is prepared with i hibiscus flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa) rich in citric acid and other organic acids, polyphenols and polysaccharides capable of reducing pressure. The hibiscus is generally consumed in infusion: the carcadè tea it has a typical red color and a very distinctive and pleasant sour taste. It can be consumed as an alternative to tea and coffee to help reduce blood pressure naturally.
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