When the heart beats, it pumps the blood around the body and gives it the necessary oxygen and energy. When the blood travels, it hits against the sides of the blood vessels. So, this strength of hitting the vessels is your blood pressure.
In other words, if it is too high, it uses more force on the arteries and can cause strokes or heart attacks. But, high blood pressure is not something you notice every day because its signs are not that obvious. So, the only way to know for sure is to measure it.
In addition, a normal blood pressure is the one 120 over 80 and less than 140 over 90, and high blood pressure is the one that goes further in the chart than these numbers. Therefore, if you have a higher blood pressure, you should consult a doctor.
Reasons for High Blood Pressure
There are a number of reasons that can cause an increased blood pressure. Here is a list of some of the factors:
- diet
- smoking
- genetics
- lack of exercise
- stress
However, if you don’t check your blood pressure regularly, you might increase the risk of not noticing some serious health problems that can occur, like:
- heart failure
- diabetes
- stroke
- heart attack
- kidney disease
- metabolic syndrome
- vision loss
The Dangers of Pharmaceutical Treatment
There are many different options of medications for decreasing the blood pressure. Some of these treatments include calcium channel blockers (CCBs), Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB), diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and beta blockers.
In addition, these medications can make the person feel worse, and cause more discomfort than the disease itself.
Beta Blockers
These blockers slow down the blood pressure levels and heart rate. But, they can cause various complications. Here is a list of all of the complications that might occur:
- They increase the chance of developing diabetes when patients take it with a diuretic.
- These blockers might cause a heart attack or angina due to the sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate.
- There is a slight chance that the beta blockers can make the bronchial airways narrower and cause problems such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.
Another reason you should be careful of these beta blockers is that they can cause various side effects such as:
- Coldness in extremities
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Vivid dreams and nightmares
- Memory loss
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Depression
- Reduced exercising abilities
- Reduced libido
Calcium-channel blockers (CCBs)
This treatment can help relax the blood vessels. However, it can also cause some alarming side effects such as:
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Food interactions
- Gingivitis
- Rash
Diuretics
These medicines can help the kidney get rid of the excess water and salt. But, as the other treatments, they can cause some complications. For example, they can cause some problems for the heart rhythm and decrease the body’s supply of potassium.
In addition, you should be wary of the side effects they can cause, such as:
- Depression and irritability
- Fatigue
- Reduced libido
- Urinary incontinence
Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs)
This treatment is the same as ARBs and ACE, it decreases the blood pressure and widens the blood vessels. Though it might sound good, it can still cause some serious side effects.
For example:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Low blood pressure
- Nasal congestion
- Raised potassium levels
- Unfit for pregnancy
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
These medicines can treat high blood pressure and help the heart, however, they can also cause some side effects like:
- Irritating cough
- Low blood pressure
Also, these drugs are not fit for pregnant mothers.
Natural Remedies for Treating High Blood Pressure
Instead of relying on chemicals to help you out, try to use these herbs. They are natural, and can’t cause any major side effects. Here are 5 of them you can try.
1. Lime Blossom
This herb can be useful for healing anxiety. Also, it contains flavonoids, volatile oil, and mucilage component, which can be useful for soothing inflammation. Moreover, it can be a potent diuretic, sedative, antispasmodic, and astringent agent.
2. Hibiscus
According to a study where participants from the age of 30 until 65, consumed 250 ml hibiscus tea, had improved inflammation and blood pressure. Therefore, hibiscus tea can be a potent remedy for lowering the blood pressure.
3. Hawthorn
This thorny herb can be a potent remedy for the heart. Plus, it has powerful antioxidant flavonoids which can improve the blood vessels, blood flow and even protect them from damage. Therefore, you should be using the leaves of this herb, since it can highly improve your health.
4. Yarrow
In many European countries, yarrow has been used in folk medicine for generations. It is a potent and a popular remedy because it can help with digestion, intestines, and uterus. Furthermore, it is rich with flavonoids that make it a great remedy for lowering blood pressure.
5. Mistletoe
This herb can balance the blood sugar levels and help diabetics treat cardiovascular diseases. On top of that, it can help soothe some arthritic and rheumatic pains.
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Source: Best Healthy Guide | Blood Pressure UK | WebMD | American Heart Association
