What is Hypertension? Learn Why Nobody Can Ignore the "Silent Killer"

What is Hypertension? Learn Why Nobody Can Ignore the "Silent Killer"
by Chris Cage ~ Ezine Articles Expert

What is hypertension? It's a condition known as the silent killer because it is responsible for
millions of premature deaths around the world every year. In this article, discover exactly what
hypertension is and how you can avoid it.

Basic Definition of Hypertension
Hypertension means high blood pressure i.e. blood pressure higher than normal. Although a few
people actually have low blood pressure (hypo-tension), many more have hypertension. This puts greater stress on the organs of the body and the arterial walls and can lead to increased risk of cardiac death, stroke and other life threatening conditions.

Normal Blood Pressure Range
Even doctors disagree a little on what is a normal blood pressure. In the United Kingdom, they
will advise that you should be at 140/90 or below. Other doctors say that you should aim to be
even lower than this and 120/80 is a normal blood pressure.

The first figure is systolic pressure (when the heart contracts) and the second is diastolic
pressure (when the heart releases). So a good normal blood pressure range to have is 90-119 systolic and 60-79 diastolic.

How To Measure Blood Pressure
So how do you know if you have hypertension or not? The best way is to get it measured. Although your doctor can do this for you, a lot of people have "white coat syndrome". This means that the reading they get when measured at the clinic is either too high or too low. Think about it- a doctor's clinic is not a normal situation is it?

I recommend you borrow or buy a home monitoring kit. This will allow you to take measurements when you wake, during the day and before going to bed.

How To Treat High Blood Pressure
Although some cases are simply down to genetics, the vast majority are due to lifestyle. The
first thing you can do is to cut down on salt (sodium) in your diet. Also increase potassium, which is found in fruits and vegetables.

There are also several other easy homemade or natural cures that you can try and you do not have to make major changes to your lifestyle. Treatment is easy and it can mean between 10 and 15 more years on your life.

Need to know everything there is about hypertension and how to lower your blood pressure? Get the info you need quickly and now, here: Hypertension Library.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Cage

To Your Health !
Julia Gray aka Miss Julia
Proud Member My VM Team
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