Understanding High Blood Pressure or Hypertension

Reading the blood pressure involves two numbers. The first number refers to the contraction of the heart. This is how the blood is driven and the circulation is kept going. This number is called the systolic reading. The second number indicates the amount of pressure that is exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries and is referred to as the diastolic pressure. Some doctors nowadays say that the perfect blood pressure reading is 115/75. But in reality it seems that every individual has his or hers own ideal blood pressure involving many factors.

In the old days, it was thought that the upper figure (systolic blood pressure) should be 100 plus the age of the person. But we know now that the blood pressure should remain generally the same throughout one's life. Your doctor will tell you if you have the right blood pressure for you, or if it is too high.

What actually causes high blood pressure is a debatable subject. Some doctors think that specific causes might be kidney malfunctions, body toxins, constipation, excessive alcohol consumption and heavy smoking. They also think that nutritional deficiencies, emotional tension and glandular imbalance can contribute to high blood pressure. High salt consumption is also considered a cause. Probably any one factor or combination of several or even all factors can be the real problem.

The treatments for lowering high blood pressure can be many. Eliminating refined sugar and white flour, refined foods in general, alcohol and coffee in the diet can help. Also, lowering the salt intake, quitting smoking and losing weight can contribute to lowering blood pressure. Another thing to do is to try and eliminate as much stress in your business and personal life as possible. It's not worth succeeding in business only to die an early death.

Many doctors think that exercising is a very important in lower high blood pressure also. Even people in their middle age who haven't regularly exercised in years can improve their blood pressure by exercising. A doctor should be consulted before embarking on an exercise program especially if one hasn't exercised for quite awhile.

Walking is an ideal exercise for middle-aged people to start with. A graduated program of daily walking, which starts with a short period of time and leads up to, a 30-60 minute walk is ideal. This daily walk will exercise the blood vessels. The continued habit of daily walks will increase the flow of blood in the body and then its return to the heart, in response to the continued contracting of the muscles. The heart itself will also have better circulation and more blood vessels will open.

There is also another side to your high blood pressure results. Many patients throughout the years are diagnosed incorrectly with high blood pressure due to many factors! Nervousness during testing is one of the problems. If a person is apprehensive during or before an exam, he or she should rest on a comfortable bed or cot during the testing. Many patients, when retested while relaxing will show no signs of hypertension at all!

The whole body should be addressed when trying to lower blood pressure. Regular doctor's check-ups, along with proper nutrition, exercise and avoidance of foods and drink that are not good for you will contribute to getting your blood pressure where it should be. In extreme cases, the doctor might prescribe medications, but it's best to take care of your body properly first!

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Hypertension