Do I have High Blood Pressure? Symptoms and Signs
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is considered a modern day disease that can lead to heart disease and stroke. It is therefore vitally important to be on the lookout for the symptoms of high blood pressure. As soon as symptoms are apparent, the treatment of high blood pressure should be sought immediately. It is known as a modern day disease because the symptoms of high blood pressure are attributed to the fast paced lives that modern Americans lead in industrialized environments.Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
One of the first signs that high blood pressure treatment may be needed is a dull ache in the head or neck, especially just after waking.
The other symptoms of high blood pressure are more noticeable and include:
- Nosebleeds
- Difficulty in breathing
- Dizziness
- Nervous tension
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
Symptoms tend to increase with age, so the treatment of high blood pressure should be considered from late middle-age onwards. However many other factors can lead to high blood pressure, including lack of exercise, obesity, and kidney malfunction. Lifestyle factors play a major role in increasing blood pressure, such as smoking, excessive drinking, stress, and too much sodium (or too little potassium) in the diet. All of these factors contribute, yet the treatment of high blood pressure should only be sought after correct diagnosis.
Normal blood pressure should be around 120/80 mmHg. Once symptoms are apparent and the condition has been diagnosed as hypertension, the treatment of high blood pressure should begin immediately.
Treatment of High Blood Pressure
Garlic is a proven remedy for those exhibiting symptoms of high blood pressure but as garlic thins the blood consultation with your physician is recommended before treatment begins. Fish oil has also been used effectively in high blood pressure treatment. Studies have shown that it is the docohexaenoic acid, or DHA, which is the active ingredient in the treatment of high blood pressure. Very often, blood pressure levels depend on the sodium/potassium ratio in the blood. If there is enough potassium in the blood, then it acts as a buffer and mitigates the effects of high sodium levels, known to increase blood pressure. A potassium-rich diet that includes bananas, oranges and potatoes can therefore be a natural treatment for high blood pressure. Both children and adults should eat 4500 mg of potassium a day. A significant reduction in the symptoms of high blood pressure are seen when supplements like folic acid are added to the diet. Studies have showed positive results in smokers who were given a folic acid treatment for high blood pressure.
High blood pressure can be lowered by regular exercise, which in turn will help keep weight down. Research has shown that there can be a fall of 1 mm Hg in blood pressure for every 2lbs lost. Keep food intake at a reasonable level and ensure that through diet, exercise and supplementation, the medical treatment of high blood pressure may never become necessary.
Prescriptions by Dr. Balch
