Blood pressure is measured by using two different numbers – systolic pressure (the top number) over diastolic pressure (the bottom number).  Systolic pressure measures blood pressure as the heart contracts and pushes blood through the arteries. Diastolic pressure is taken when the heart relaxes. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 or lower.

It is important to note that blood pressure varies from person to person and can fluctuate from moment to moment. One or two high readings do not necessarily mean that you have hypertension or high blood pressure.

If your blood pressure has measured 140/90 or higher on at least two separate occasions, your doctor should recommend a 24 hour BP (blood pressure) monitor, which will show whether your BP remains consistently raised. This will help to determine whether you have hypertension or not.

There are many different prescription drugs for high blood pressure including vasodilators, alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, diuretics, etc. Each has a different way of working and different drugs may work for different people. You may need to try a variety before you find the right drug or combination of drugs suitable for you. Some examples of medication that your doctor may recommend are: enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), atenolol (Tenormin), and furosemide (Lasix).

Like many synthetic drugs, anti-hypertensive medication has a risk of causing side effects, which depend on the person as well as the type of drug being taken. These can include dizziness, nausea, stomach problems, fatigue, impotence, insomnia, loss of appetite, and low blood pressure among others. Always speak to your doctor if you are having problems.

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Changes in lifestyle can be highly beneficial to anyone suffering from hypertension. Adopting a healthy and balanced diet is often the first crucial step - as is keeping up with a healthy and regular exercise routine. Alcohol and caffeine consumption should be kept to a minimum and salt intake should be dramatically reduced. Potassium intake should be increased as this lowers blood pressure so try eating more bananas, oranges, zucchini, and spinach as they are all good sources of potassium.

Lastly, excess weight or obesity should be addressed as it contributes to hypertension in several ways. These simple life changes can lower the blood pressure, and sometimes may be all that is needed, as well as improve overall response to blood pressure treatments.

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There are many well known natural high blood pressure treatments that use herbal and homeopathic remedies. Conventional medicines usually treat the symptoms of high blood pressure, but seldom address the underlying causes. Naturopaths recognize that high blood pressure may be a sign or symptom of imbalance in the body and know that the best way to treat it is by a combination of lifestyle changes and natural remedies to remove the causes of the high blood pressure, rather than simply treating the symptoms.

One such example is Crataegus oxyacantha (Hawthorn) which is one of the most highly respected herbs used in natural high blood pressure treatments and has well-known cardio-protective properties. Others such as Passiflora incarnate, Viburnum opulus and Ginkgo biloba are also well known for their beneficial effects on lowering blood pressure and relaxing blood vessels. Natural diuretics such as Taraxacum officinale and Foeniculum vulgare are excellent alternatives to prescription diuretics as they can be equally effective without causing potassium loss – a side effect of prescription diuretics.

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Hypertension is a serious condition that can damage the heart, blood vessels, and other organs in the body. If ignored, Hypertension can eventually lead to several other serious conditions, including:

• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Kidney failure
• Vision problems

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• Take life as it comes and slow down. Stress is a huge influencing factor in hypertension so try to reduce stress levels and learn to relax! You may try listening to calming music, or meditation.
• Eat and exercise responsibly. Many people need a helping hand in this department so consider seeking the professional advice of a nutritionist and/or a fitness coach.
• Use your condition as an opportunity to adopt positive life changes. Get in touch with nature and take long walks. Try other relaxation methods such as yoga or Pilates.
• If you have other health complaints such as insomnia or constipation – sort them out as soon as possible as these can contribute to high blood pressure.
• Make sure you keep a regular check on your blood pressure levels and work steadily towards your goals.
• Keep a list of any medications you may be on close at hand in case of an emergency.

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