All About Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is the medical term for what is commonly referred to as high blood pressure. It is one of the leading risk factors in heart attacks and strokes. Someone is considered to have this condition if they chronically have blood pressure readings of 140/90 or higher. A normal, healthy reading for adults is 120/80.

The top number is referred to as systolic pressure and signifies the force by which blood is pumped through the arteries by the heart when it beats; the bottom number is termed diastolic and is a reading of the pressure when the heart is at rest.

One's blood pressure, however, is more than just a result of the beating and non-beating of one's heart muscle; it is also dependent on the health of the arteries through which the blood flows, kidneys, and brain.

The precise cause of high blood pressure is still largely unknown. However, many experts believe certain genetic and environmental factors may contribute to it. The most cited of these are: smoking, being overweight, and consuming an excess of salt in one's diet. In addition, if there is a history of hypertension in your family, then you should be especially diligent in having your blood pressure numbers checked.

Men are afflicted by hypertension at approximately double the rate as women. This discrepancy most likely stems from lifestyle choices more characteristic of men, and not innate physiological differences.

Hypertension is often referred to as "the silent killer" –- it is notorious for not exhibiting any discernible symptoms that will tip one off to having it; only a test will determine if you have high blood pressure.

For those few people who do exhibit symptoms, the most commonly reported are: headaches, lethargy, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

1. Reduce sodium intake in your diet.

2. Even a few excess pounds can elevate one's blood pressure. Try to stick to a sensible diet high in vegetables, fruits, and nuts, and reduce your consumption of sugar. Strive to drink eight 8 oz glasses of water daily. Studies have shown that mild to moderate hypertension can be benefited by such a diet.

3. Engage in regular exercise, especially ones focused on relaxation techniques (meditation, deep breathing, etc).

It is first important to understand that severe hypertension requires immediate medical supervision and treatment.

However, according to world famous Reader's Digest, in their extensive tome "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs":

"If you have mild hypertension, you may want to try lifestyle changes and supplements before turning to prescription drugs, which often have unpleasant side effects. Begin with a two or three-month trial with supplements. If your blood pressure drops, you can use the supplements indefinitely."

The following nutritional supplements are the most promising for hypertension, often advocated by such experts as Naturopathic physicians:

1. Calcium -- is a vital mineral that has been shown to lower blood pressure in studies. Most people know this nutrient as crucial for healthy bones and teeth, but it also plays a pivotal role for normal muscle contraction; as such, it's important for the proper functioning of the heart. People with low calcium levels often suffer from hypertension and heart palpitations.

Sidenote:: If you suffer from kidney disease, you should not take calcium supplements as they may exacerbate the condition.

2. Magnesium -- is needed for the proper absorption of calcium, and aids in the flow of blood through arteries and vessels.

3. Vitamin D -- also needed for the proper absorption of calcium.

4. Vitamin C –- powerful antioxidant that helps dilate (widen) blood vessels.

5. Hawthorne Berry –- one of the most prescribed natural remedies in Europe, noted for its powerful heart health benefits, which includes protecting arterial walls, dilating blood vessels, and strengthening the heart's pumping ability.

The following nutrients may also help hypertension:

1. Amino acid L-Arginine -- there is evidence this nutrient can widen blood vessels.

2. Coenzyme Q10 –- More than 3 out of 10 people with high blood pressure are believed to be deficient in this crucial nutrient, which has become highly popular as a heart tonic and general anti-aging supplement.

After extensively surveying the market for products that contain all of the crucial aforementioned nutrients, we finally settled on a product produced from Xtend-Life Natural Products called Total Balance. This super supplement contains all of the nutrients discussed on this page and a great deal more. So if you have hypertension, give it a look.