on Hypertension

Most Filipinos are walking time bombs because they are unaware of their elevated blood pressure levels. Majority will literally drop dead before they could realize what was wrong with them because there are no symptoms. Though the number of hypertensive Filipinos are growing, only 14 percent of those aware of their condition take precautions.

Hypertension is the primary factor underlying strokes and stroke-related deaths. Too much pressure can cause the bursting of a vessel—especially if that vessel has been weakened by age. It is only when excess pressure of hypertension soar to dangerously high levels (systolic of 180 or higher OR diastolic of 110 or higher) that obvious symptoms occur. Blood pressure this high is known as hypertensive crisis. Emergency medical treatment is needed due to extreme readings.

A person in hypertensive crisis may experience the following--
• Severe headaches
• Severe anxiety
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleed
• Blood spots in the eyes
• Facial flushing
• Dizziness


Hypertension does not kill per se, its complications do. High blood pressure have been known to be the culprit behind Erectile dysfunction, Angina Fluid in the Lungs, Peripheral Artery Disease and Loss of Vision.

Kidney damage / Renal Failure
Hypertension damages the arteries and arterioles that supply blood and nutrients to the kidneys. As these arteries become stiff and less elastic, blood supply to the kidneys is cut off, causing damage to the kidneys themselves. Severe high blood pressure causes kidney malfunction over a relatively short period of time; however, even milder forms of uncontrolled also accelerates the aging of the kidneys. High blood pressure can damage kidneys over several years, with no evident symptoms until severe damage has already occurred,” Dr. Whitaker claims. “Poorly controlled high blood pressure is responsible for approximately 25 percent of all cases of chronic kidney failure.

Memory Loss

Memory Loss  is a lesser-known outcome of hypertension. the relentless pounding on the small vessels in the brain has adverse effects. Brains of hypertensive patients shrink by as much as 20 percent, leading to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Many hypertension cases are more complicated than they seem. Highblood pressure is a serious problem that requires more serious attention so regularly eating foods that can take your blood pressure down a notch or two helps. Beets, banana, cocoa, garlic and artichokes are five foods that can do the trick.

Author Michael Van Straten of The Healthy Food Directory , ranks banana as a top wonder fruit that helps alleviate 14 medical conditions. Bananas have the ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke. It contains potassium, which is responsible for the proper functioning of the heart. Potassium in turn works with sodium to maintain balance of the body’s fluids, which plays an important factor blood pressure regulation.

Studies from Germany’s University Hospital of Cologne revealed that cocoa from cacao plant can lower high blood-pressure levels significantly. Cocoa’s beneficial heart effects are attributed to its flavonoid content, specifically procyanids. It is good for the heart, the brain and the liver. And choosing raw cacao over dark chocolates is the best way to take advantage of the health benefits as published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Garlic consumption can help lower elevated blood-pressure levels. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal has published the results of a laboratory test showing how garlic juice plays a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure. Garlic has formed part of the Israelites’ diet in Egypt (Numbers 11:5) because of its heart-protecting capabilities. Garlic has been was consumed as food by the ancient Greek and Roman soldiers in the early times.

“Although not as potent as prescription drugs, two or three cloves of garlic can help reduce cholesterol levels and can make the blood less sticky,” hailed Dr. Willie T. Ong in his book, How to Live Longer.

Read more about it at www.health.am

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