High blood pressure is also known as hypertension, and happens when the heart pumps the blood through the arteries and creates pressure against the walls of the blood vessels. Typically defined as a reading of 140/90 mmHg . This number is comprised of a systolic reading, (upper number) and a diastolic reading, (lower number); the systolic is the measure of pressure that is being produced when your heart pumps the blood, and the diastolic reading is a measure of the pressure when your heart is at rest between beats. High blood pressure is often called the silent killer because many times people have little or no symptoms until there is serious damage done to their organs, or until they suffer a stroke or heart attack.

Blood pressure changes during the day. It is lowest as you sleep and rises when you get up. It also can rise when you are excited, nervous, or active. However, your blood pressure should remain somewhat the same unless you are being physically active. Normal blood pressure has traditionally been defined as 120/80mmHg or below, however, it is now recommended that this is borderline and you should maintain your blood pressure at a slightly lower level to be safe.

There are two types of Hypertension, primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is due to factors such as consumption of large amounts of coffee, tea, caffeinated drinks or high salt intake, or as a result of being overweight. Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that is caused by a physical defect or condition such as chronic narrowing of the blood vessels, or by poor kidney function.

Is There a Cure?

If your blood pressure is primary hypertension, lifestyle modification can be quite effective. Drink less caffeine, eat less salt, lose weight and do not let problems excessively upset you. Also you should make sure that your blood pressure is being taken with a cuff that fits you; if a blood pressure cuff is too small, you will get a false high reading. Some people only get high blood pressure due to the fact that they get nervous at the doctor's office, so home monitoring of blood pressure can help your doctor make the correct diagnosis. For secondary blood pressure you might need diet modification as well as medications such as diuretics or other blood pressure lowering drugs.

Natural Cures

Be sure to check with your doctor if you are on medication first. Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium as directed on the label; calcium and magnesium are natural muscle relaxers which can help lower blood pressure. The potassium is often depleted by blood pressure medications, and it is essential to the electrical system of the heart, as well as lowering blood pressure. Essential Fatty acids, such as Omega-3 fish oil, olive oil or Kyolic are important for circulation and for lowering blood pressure, (Take as directed on bottle). Garlic in capsule form (Kyolic) 2 caps, 3 times per day is very good at lowering blood pressure. These are some of the more effective supplements, and along with a healthy lifestyle will help reduce blood pressure. 

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