HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Silent Killer

Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure results from two forces. The heart creates one force as it pumps blood into the arteries and through the circulatory system. The other is the force of the arteries as they resist the blood flow. The higher, systolic number represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body. The lower, diastolic number represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.

The systolic pressure is always stated first and the diastolic pressure second. For example: 118/76 (118 over 76); systolic = 118, diastolic = 76. According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure below 120 over 80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is considered ideal for adults. A systolic pressure of 120 to 139 mmHg or a diastolic pressure of 80 to 89 mmHg is considered "pre–hypertension" and needs to be watched carefully.

A blood pressure reading of 140 over 90 or higher is considered elevated or high. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. In fact, many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. That's why it's called the "silent killer." Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It doesn't refer to being tense, nervous or hyperactive. You can be a calm, relaxed person and still have high blood pressure.

The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. Your doctor or other qualified health professional should check your blood pressure as often as necessary. A single elevated blood pressure reading doesn't mean you have high blood pressure, but it's a sign that further observation is required.

CAUSES

High blood pressure is not the consequence of aging. It is the result of the Standard American Diet (SAD) utilized by Nigerians. A diet rich in processed foods, salt and saturated fat in animal products over many years, takes a toll. As a result, our blood vessels age, stiffen and lose their elasticity.

Dr. Rowen Pfeifer says “Our blood vessels need to remain elastic as our heart is pumping blood through them as they contract and expand. High fat foods create plaque on the inside of our arteries causing them to become like hard pipes. At that point the heart has to pump so much harder to get blood through this narrow pipe (which no longer expands) that it creates high blood pressure-Hypertension!

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

You can lower your blood pressure and prevent high blood by eating foods rich in potassium such as bananas, beans, spinach and potatoes. “Potassium can help blunt the effects of sodium (salt) on blood pressure. Take a lot of carrot or carrot juice.

Regular daily exercise will help you.

REFERENCES: Dr. Furhman-Blood pressure, Geroge Malkmus with Peter and Stowe Shockey-The Halleluyah Diet