Have you ever wondered why high blood pressure has been dubbed ‘the silent killer?’ The condition, also known as hypertension, can develop for years without producing a single symptom. When left untreated, the chances of suffering a serious medical problem increases. You gradually become more and more vulnerable to heart attacks and strokes. However, it’s easy to detect high blood pressure and once you become aware of your condition, you can use home remedies to treat and control symptoms.

What is High Blood Pressure?

With frantic lifestyles and an ever-changing environment, high blood pressure (also known as hypertension), has become an increasingly widespread medical condition. Using an instrument called a sphygnomanometer, your blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury. The highest pressure reached during each heart beat is called systolic pressure, while diastolic pressure represents the lowest measurement between two beats. The median blood pressure for a young adult is 120/80.

When you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure, you either suffer from primary hypertension (seen in 90% to 95% of adult cases or secondary hypertension, which is caused by an underlying condition and appears quite suddenly. The cause of primary hypertension is not identified, but develops over the course of many years. As for secondary hypertension, consider the following factors:

• Abnormal kidneys
• Congenital heart defects
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Certain medications (like birth control pills and over-the-counter pain relievers)
• Drug abuse (such as cocaine and amphetamines)

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

It doesn’t matter if your blood pressure reaches seriously high levels, the chances of showing symptoms are quite low. The majority of people with high blood pressure do not exhibit any signs. However, a few people do encounter early-stage high blood pressure symptoms, like dull headaches, dizziness, pain in the heart region, fatigue, frequent urination, and nosebleeds [1]. It is also not uncommon to suffer pain at the back of the head and neck (that quickly vanishes) when first waking up in the morning.

High Blood Pressure Home Remedies

One of the best things you can do at home to keep your high blood pressure under control is to monitor your levels by using a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope. To keep your blood pressure levels healthy, consider the following home remedies:

a) Grapefruit:

The vitamin P contained in grapefruit can prevent high blood pressure, and is effective in strengthening the arteries.

b) Potatoes:

When looking for a resourceful food item linked to lowering blood pressure, consider the potato. Boiled potatoes absorb very little salt, which accommodates a patient following a low-sodium diet. The vegetable is also helpful because it contains a rich source of potassium and magnesium.

c) Reduce Your Stress:

Whether you explore the world of deep breathing or practice muscle relaxation before starting your day, learn as many healthy coping techniques that can lower stress levels. In turn, you can use this approach to lower your blood pressure.

d) Lemon:

Strengthen your capillaries with lemon peel and juice, which provides the body with a decent amount of vitamin P – an effective method of controlling high blood pressure.

e) Stop Smoking:

Since tobacco wreaks havoc on blood vessel walls and contributes to the hardening of the arteries, kicking the habit not only lowers high blood pressure, but also enhances your overall health.

f) Parsley:

Parsley is comprised of substances that can aid in the maintenance of your blood vessels with special attention paid to the capillaries. Some people consume the healthy herb by simmering 20 grams of fresh parsley leaves in 250 milliliters of water for a couple of minutes. It is recommended to drink this concoction several times per day.

g) Limit Alcohol Intake:

Regardless of your health status, alcohol can increase your blood pressure. When enjoying alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation. For example, men should limit themselves to two drinks in one day, while women should stick to one.

h) Garlic:

To effectively lower your blood pressure, let garlic reduce the number of spasms that take place in the small arteries. The herb also works wonders on a patient suffering the dizziness, numbness, and shortness of breath that high blood pressure may cause. Add raw cloves to your meals or take two to three capsules every day.

i) Lose Weight:

If you are carrying around a few extra pounds, keep in mind that even losing five pounds can make a difference in your blood pressure.

j) Watermelon:

There is a substance contained in watermelon seeds proven to dilate the blood vessels, which helps lower high blood pressure. Dry and roast the seeds to create a beneficial snack.

k) DASH Diet:

Eating healthy foods can help prevent and control high blood pressure. Following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet provides your system with a decent amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods. Don’t forget to refrain from eating food choices that possess a high saturated fat content.

l) Rice:

Some patients with high blood pressure are advised to cut down on eating salty foods. Rice offers a low-fat, low-cholesterol, and low-salt option. Choose brown rice for its soothing and relaxing effects of the nervous system, which can ease the symptoms of hypertension.

Resources

[1] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/DS00100/DSECTION=symptoms