High Blood Pressure Treatment

Blood Circulation: Its Role and Importance

Blood circulation plays a fundamental role in our overall health, from fighting infections to delivering oxygen throughout the body, all the way to supporting brain health.

What is Blood Pressure?

Our heart is a powerful pump, moving about five litres of blood per minute through our vessels. When the heart contracts and pushes blood forcefully through the arteries, it creates what’s known as systolic pressure, the top number in a blood pressure reading. As the heart relaxes, diastolic pressure is measured, shown as the bottom number. A blood pressure reading of 140/80, for example, indicates a systolic pressure of 140 and a diastolic pressure of 80.

Understanding High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” can go unnoticed in many people, yet it significantly raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Observed every year on May 17, World Hypertension Day raises awareness of this widespread health issue. Approximately 52% of the population in Pakistan is affected by high blood pressure, with 42% unaware of their condition.

Fluctuations in Blood Pressure

Blood pressure can vary throughout the day based on physical activity, stress levels, and other factors. 

Rapid rises in blood pressure to 180/120 or higher are considered a hypertensive crisis, requiring immediate medical attention.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

Most people with hypertension don’t show symptoms and may unknowingly live with it. However, when blood pressure rises significantly, symptoms like nosebleeds, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and breathing issues can appear. Severe cases may present with blurred vision, dizziness, irritability, or, in extreme cases, blood vessel rupture in the brain, potentially leading to unconsciousness or even death.

 Potential Causes of High Blood Pressure

As we age, our blood vessels lose elasticity, requiring the heart to work harder to pump blood. In 10% of hypertension cases, underlying medical causes—known as secondary hypertension—are identified, such as kidney diseases, hormonal imbalances, or excessive alcohol consumption. Contributing factors also include obesity, smoking, high salt intake, lack of physical activity, diabetes, and genetic predisposition.

Negative Impacts of Hypertension

If left unmanaged, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications, such as heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, impaired vision, and even rupture of the aorta, the body’s main artery.

Managing and Lowering Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure is considered 120/80 mmHg or lower. Treatment typically becomes necessary if readings consistently reach 140/90 mmHg or higher. Specific dietary choices can help lower blood pressure naturally:

• Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas can help balance sodium levels, which benefits blood pressure.
• Oats: High in magnesium, oats are shown to reduce blood pressure.
• Garlic: Known to prevent blood clotting and reduce blood pressure when eaten raw daily.
• Beetroot: Packed with nitrates that relax blood vessels and improve circulation.
• Olive Oil: Contains polyphenols that support heart health.
• Dark Chocolate: Some studies suggest it can help lower blood pressure.

 

Harmful Foods and Habits for Blood Pressure

Certain lifestyle habits and foods can worsen high blood pressure:

• High Sodium Intake: Excess salt directly raises blood pressure.
• Red Meat: Can increase cardiovascular risk and hypertension.
• Caffeine and Alcohol: May temporarily spike blood pressure.

Monitoring and maintaining blood pressure within a healthy range is vital for long-term well-being.