Natura-Genics : Article : Hypertension: The Silent Killer

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Hypertension: The Silent Killer

An estimated 103 million US adults have high blood pressure, according to new statistics from the American Heart Association and around a billion worldwide. The prevalence of hypertension is rising, especially in third world countries. It is linked to high levels of stress and occurs more often among certain groups of people, including smokers, heavy drinkers, cocaine users, those who are pregnant, inactive or obese.

Blood pressure reading consists of two numbers measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg): the first indicating systolic pressure and the second diastolic. In the US, blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure.

Things you can do to lower high blood pressure:
• Exercise: Arteries are less stiff when involved in daily physical activity.
• Pass on the salt: Eating too much salt raises blood pressure by making
the body retain water.
• Avoid pre-prepared food with concealed salt.
• Watch what you drink: Avoid caffeine which can spike blood pressure
for a few hours. Alcoholic drinks also increase blood pressure temporarily.
• Go green: Vegetarians and vegans tend to have lower blood pressure
than meat eaters.
• Relax: Chronic stress is a major cause of high blood pressure.
Find ways to relax such as meditation or other relaxation techniques.

Hypertension “the silent killer” can be present in the organism for many years without any symptoms. Even without symptoms, damage to blood vessels and the heart can continue and early detection is necessary.

Renzo J. Bustamante-Wendorff, B.S., M.S.
Research & Development