What Hypertension Is

Many people are unaware of the medical term for high blood pressure when they ask what hypertension is. There has been a lot of publicity regarding this condition over recent years due to the seriousness of it and the illnesses it can cause.

The reason that your blood pressure might be high is that over time your blood vessels lose their elasticity and could begin to become clogged. If this is the case your heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body. Since the heart has to work harder and faster to accomplish its purpose, then like any mechanical pump eventually it will succumb to excessive wear and tear by malfunctioning. So in the case of your heart you could have a heart attack which initially might act as a warning or be fatal.

Other reasons to be aware of what hypertension is are the many other illnesses that can affect you if you are a sufferer of this condition. The list is quite frightening but apart from the effect on your heart you are vulnerable to strokes, kidney failure, eyesight deterioration and a number of other illnesses and diseases that attack the organs of the body.

These can all be prevented by having your blood pressure checked regularly by your doctor. If your blood pressure is found to be high, your doctor will explain in detail what hypertension is, the implications of the condition and the recommended advice.

It is advisable to respond to the information you are given. But there is a lot that you can do for yourself to reduce your blood pressure and so avoid being put on medication for the rest of your life. In some cases, drugs can have side effects so if they can be avoided it will be to your benefit.

By responding to your hypertension the natural way, you will be improving your quality of life but it may not be easy.

You must give up smoking. In some cases this may be harsh to undertake but an important fact.

Your alcohol intake must be reduced to 2 units a day maximum.

Some moderate exercise like walking or swimming needs to be undertaken.

Your diet needs a complete reassessment. Eliminate processed foods that contain high levels of damaging saturated fats and sodium and increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables.

By eating a healthier diet and getting more exercise you should see a reduction in your weight too which will also assist your heart to perform more efficiently.

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