What is Hypertension?

According to the American Heart Association, an estimated one in three U.S. adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, and an alarming one-third of those don’t even know they have it. It’s no wonder this condition has long been called “the silent killer”. Although high blood pressure can occur in both children and adults, it is most common in those over age 35, and is most prevalent in African Americans, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women taking birth control pills. Although many people get high blood pressure as they get older, it is not part of the aging process! Proper diet, exercise and lifestyle changes can help in prevention and lowering of blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney failure. And when it exists with obesity, smoking, high cholesterol or diabetes, the risk of heart attack or stroke increases. If you do not have high blood pressure by age 55, your chance of developing it at some point in your life is 90 percent, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Hypertension signs and symptoms
For the most part high blood pressure has no symptoms at all. When symptoms  occur, you may already be in a hypertensive crisis. A hypertensive crisis is when the top number, (systolic), is higher then 180 and/or the bottom number, (diastolic), is higher then 110. This is why everyone needs to know their blood pressure number. Even children can have high blood pressure. This is the first step to having the knowledge of how to prevent high blood pressure from developing.
      Diagnosis should only be made by a healthcare professional. Symptoms of high blood pressure or a hypertensive crisis, may include, dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, severe headaches, facial flushing, blood spots in the eyes, and anxiety. A severe hypertensive crisis can be followed by nausea and vomiting. Emergency treatment is needed immediately. Do not ignore these symptoms.



Weight loss and exercise

Indeed, weight loss through exercise is an excellent starting point if you want to prevent hypertension. Experts say that being overweight is linked to an increased risk of developing hypertension, and losing weight decreases the risk You need to work out a minimum of three times a week and a maximum of five times a week to get the most benefit. Once you are in peak condition, a single workout a week can maintain the muscular benefits. However, cardiovascular fitness requires more frequent activity. Start at a low, comfortable level of exertion and progress gradually. The program is designed in two stages to allow for a progressive increase in activity. Determine your safety limit for exertion. Use some clues such as sleep problems or fatigue the day after a workout to check on whether you are overdoing it. Once identified, stay within it. Over-exercising is both dangerous and unnecessary. Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. If you make any significant changes in your level of physical activity - particularly if those changes could make large and sudden demands on your circulatory system - check with your doctors again.

Natural supplements beneficial for high blood pressure

Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10)

Most people with high blood pressure have this deficiency. Daily dosages of 45 to 60mg of COQ10 can lower levels up to 25 points.
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Garlic
A clove of garlic, raw or cooked  daily. Kyolic garlic formula is also a recommended supplement.
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Magnesium
The body loses this mineral through stress, sugar, perspiration, excess alcohol, and normal body functions. Good sources of magnesium include, fresh green vegetables, raw wheat germ, soybeans, corn, apples, figs, nuts and seeds.
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Balance 3
Recommended by many doctors, this is a nutritional supplement that helps with tension, sleeplessness, relaxing, cardiovascular health, and a healthy circulatory system.
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Potassium
The best forms of potassium are bananas and citrus fruits. 100 mg as part of a multivitamin/mineral supplement if good, in addition to healthy servings of potassium rich foods daily.
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Vitamin E and Iron
Iron helps increase the ability of oxygen circulation in the blood and vitamin E help the heart muscle to use oxygen efficiently.

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As always, check with your healthcare professional first, before starting any dietary supplements. As they may not be appropriate for everyone.