High blood pressure is a common condition in which the force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.
You can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without any symptoms. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.
High blood pressure typically develops over many years, and it affects nearly everyone eventually. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily detected. And once you know you have high blood pressure, you can work with your doctor to control it.
Symptoms
Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels.
Although a few people with early-stage high blood pressure may have dull headaches, dizzy spells or a few more nosebleeds than normal, these signs and symptoms typically don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe — even life-threatening — stage.
When to see a doctor
You'll likely have your blood pressure taken as part of a routine doctor's appointment.
Ask your doctor for a blood pressure reading at least every two years starting at age 18. He or she will likely recommend more frequent readings if you've already been diagnosed with high blood pressure or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Children age 3 and older will usually have their blood pressure measured as a part of their yearly checkups.
If you don't regularly see your doctor, you may be able to get a free blood pressure screening at a health resource fair or other locations in your community. You can also find machines in some stores that will measure your blood pressure for free, but these machines can give you inaccurate results.
Risk factors
High blood pressure has many risk factors, including:
Although high blood pressure is most common in adults, children may be at risk, too. For some children, high blood pressure is caused by problems with the kidneys or heart. But for a growing number of kids, poor lifestyle habits — such as an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise — contribute to high blood pressure.
Complications
The excessive pressure on your artery walls caused by high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels, as well as organs in your body. The higher your blood pressure and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the greater the damage.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to:
140/90 mm Hg or lower
If you are a healthy adult
130/80 mm Hg or lower
If you have chronic kidney disease, diabetes or coronary artery disease or are at high risk of coronary artery disease
120/80 mm Hg or lower
If your heart isn't pumping as well as it should (left ventricular dysfunction or heart failure) or you have severe chronic kidney disease
· *Although 120/80 mm Hg or lower is the ideal blood pressure goal, doctors are unsure if you need treatment (medications) to reach that level.
· If you're an adult age 80 or older and your blood pressure is very high, your doctor may set a target blood pressure goal for you that's slightly higher than 140/90 mm Hg.
· Changing your lifestyle can go a long way toward controlling high blood pressure. But sometimes lifestyle changes aren't enough. In addition to diet and exercise, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your blood pressure. Which category of medication your doctor prescribes depends on your stage of high blood pressure and whether you also have other medical problems.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Lifestyle changes can help you control and prevent high blood pressure — even if you're taking blood pressure medication. Here's what you can do:
You can also practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga or deep breathing, to help you relax and reduce your stress level. These practices can temporarily reduce your blood pressure.
Coping and support
High blood pressure isn't a problem that you can treat and then ignore. It's a condition you need to manage for the rest of your life. To keep your blood pressure under control:
Sticking to lifestyle changes can be difficult — especially if you don't see or feel any symptoms of high blood pressure. If you need motivation, remember the risks associated with uncontrolled high blood pressure. It may help to enlist the support of your family and friends as well.
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.
You can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without any symptoms. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.
High blood pressure typically develops over many years, and it affects nearly everyone eventually. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily detected. And once you know you have high blood pressure, you can work with your doctor to control it.
Symptoms
Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels.
Although a few people with early-stage high blood pressure may have dull headaches, dizzy spells or a few more nosebleeds than normal, these signs and symptoms typically don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe — even life-threatening — stage.
When to see a doctor
You'll likely have your blood pressure taken as part of a routine doctor's appointment.
Ask your doctor for a blood pressure reading at least every two years starting at age 18. He or she will likely recommend more frequent readings if you've already been diagnosed with high blood pressure or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Children age 3 and older will usually have their blood pressure measured as a part of their yearly checkups.
If you don't regularly see your doctor, you may be able to get a free blood pressure screening at a health resource fair or other locations in your community. You can also find machines in some stores that will measure your blood pressure for free, but these machines can give you inaccurate results.
Risk factors
High blood pressure has many risk factors, including:
- Age. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you age. Through early middle age, high blood pressure is more common in men. Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure after menopause.
- Race. High blood pressure is particularly common among blacks, often developing at an earlier age than it does in whites. Serious complications, such as stroke and heart attack, also are more common in blacks.
- Family history. High blood pressure tends to run in families.
- Being overweight or obese. The more you weigh, the more blood you need to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. As the volume of blood circulated through your blood vessels increases, so does the pressure on your artery walls.
- Not being physically active. People who are inactive tend to have higher heart rates. The higher your heart rate, the harder your heart must work with each contraction — and the stronger the force on your arteries. Lack of physical activity also increases the risk of being overweight.
- Using tobacco. Not only does smoking or chewing tobacco immediately raise your blood pressure temporarily, but the chemicals in tobacco can damage the lining of your artery walls. This can cause your arteries to narrow, increasing your blood pressure. Secondhand smoke also can increase your blood pressure.
- Too much salt (sodium) in your diet. Too much sodium in your diet can cause your body to retain fluid, which increases blood pressure.
- Too little potassium in your diet. Potassium helps balance the amount of sodium in your cells. If you don't get enough potassium in your diet or retain enough potassium, you may accumulate too much sodium in your blood.
- Too little vitamin D in your diet. It's uncertain if having too little vitamin D in your diet can lead to high blood pressure. Vitamin D may affect an enzyme produced by your kidneys that affects your blood pressure.
- Drinking too much alcohol. Over time, heavy drinking can damage your heart. Having more than two drinks a day can raise your blood pressure.
- Stress. High levels of stress can lead to a temporary, but dramatic, increase in blood pressure. If you try to relax by eating more, using tobacco or drinking alcohol, you may only increase problems with high blood pressure.
- Certain chronic conditions. Certain chronic conditions also may increase your risk of high blood pressure, including high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease and sleep apnea.
Although high blood pressure is most common in adults, children may be at risk, too. For some children, high blood pressure is caused by problems with the kidneys or heart. But for a growing number of kids, poor lifestyle habits — such as an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise — contribute to high blood pressure.
Complications
The excessive pressure on your artery walls caused by high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels, as well as organs in your body. The higher your blood pressure and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the greater the damage.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to:
- Heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure can cause hardening and thickening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other complications.
- Aneurysm. Increased blood pressure can cause your blood vessels to weaken and bulge, forming an aneurysm. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can be life-threatening.
- Heart failure. To pump blood against the higher pressure in your vessels, your heart muscle thickens. Eventually, the thickened muscle may have a hard time pumping enough blood to meet your body's needs, which can lead to heart failure.
- Weakened and narrowed blood vessels in your kidneys. This can prevent these organs from functioning normally.
- Thickened, narrowed or torn blood vessels in the eyes. This can result in vision loss.
- Metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is a cluster of disorders of your body's metabolism — including increased waist circumference, high triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high insulin levels. If you have high blood pressure, you're more likely to have other components of metabolic syndrome. The more components you have, the greater your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease or stroke.
- Trouble with memory or understanding. Uncontrolled high blood pressure may also affect your ability to think, remember and learn. Trouble with memory or understanding concepts is more common in people who have high blood pressure.
140/90 mm Hg or lower
If you are a healthy adult
130/80 mm Hg or lower
If you have chronic kidney disease, diabetes or coronary artery disease or are at high risk of coronary artery disease
120/80 mm Hg or lower
If your heart isn't pumping as well as it should (left ventricular dysfunction or heart failure) or you have severe chronic kidney disease
· *Although 120/80 mm Hg or lower is the ideal blood pressure goal, doctors are unsure if you need treatment (medications) to reach that level.
· If you're an adult age 80 or older and your blood pressure is very high, your doctor may set a target blood pressure goal for you that's slightly higher than 140/90 mm Hg.
· Changing your lifestyle can go a long way toward controlling high blood pressure. But sometimes lifestyle changes aren't enough. In addition to diet and exercise, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your blood pressure. Which category of medication your doctor prescribes depends on your stage of high blood pressure and whether you also have other medical problems.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Lifestyle changes can help you control and prevent high blood pressure — even if you're taking blood pressure medication. Here's what you can do:
- Eat healthy foods. Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods. Get plenty of potassium, which can help prevent and control high blood pressure. Eat less saturated fat and total fat.
- Decrease the salt in your diet. A lower sodium level — 1,500 milligrams (mg) a day — is appropriate for people 51 years of age or older, and individuals of any age who are African-American or who have hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Otherwise healthy people can aim for 2,300 mg a day or less. While you can reduce the amount of salt you eat by putting down the saltshaker, you should also pay attention to the amount of salt that's in the processed foods you eat, such as canned soups or frozen dinners.
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you're overweight, losing even 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) can lower your blood pressure.
- Increase physical activity. Regular physical activity can help lower your blood pressure and keep your weight under control. Strive for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day.
- Limit alcohol. Even if you're healthy, alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation — up to one drink a day for women and everyone older than age 65, and two drinks a day for men.
- Don't smoke. Tobacco injures blood vessel walls and speeds up the process of hardening of the arteries. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit.
- Manage stress. Reduce stress as much as possible. Practice healthy coping techniques, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing. Getting plenty of sleep can help, too.
- Monitor your blood pressure at home. Home blood pressure monitoring can help you keep closer tabs on your blood pressure, show if medication is working, and even alert you and your doctor to potential complications. If your blood pressure is under control, you may be able to make fewer visits to your doctor if you monitor your blood pressure at home.
- Practice relaxation or slow, deep breathing. Practice taking deep, slow breaths to help relax. There are some devices available that can help guide your breathing for relaxation; however, it's questionable whether these devices have a significant effect on lowering your blood pressure.
- Alpha-linolenic acid
- Blond psyllium
- Calcium
- Cocoa
- Cod-liver oil
- Coenzyme Q10
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Garlic
You can also practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga or deep breathing, to help you relax and reduce your stress level. These practices can temporarily reduce your blood pressure.
Coping and support
High blood pressure isn't a problem that you can treat and then ignore. It's a condition you need to manage for the rest of your life. To keep your blood pressure under control:
- Take your medications properly. If side effects or costs pose problems, don't stop taking your medications. Ask your doctor about other options.
- Schedule regular doctor visits. It takes a team effort to treat high blood pressure successfully. Your doctor can't do it alone, and neither can you. Work with your doctor to bring your blood pressure to a safe level — and keep it there.
- Adopt healthy habits. Eat healthy foods, lose excess weight and get regular physical activity. Limit alcohol. If you smoke, quit.
- Manage stress. Say no to extra tasks, release negative thoughts, maintain good relationships, and remain patient and optimistic.
Sticking to lifestyle changes can be difficult — especially if you don't see or feel any symptoms of high blood pressure. If you need motivation, remember the risks associated with uncontrolled high blood pressure. It may help to enlist the support of your family and friends as well.
Angel-of-Life-Blood-Pressure-Support
$ 20.95
All-Natural Blood Pressure Support Blood Pressure Support contains a unique blend of natural supplements and herbs that may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Magnesium is a well-known and important mineral for the heart, muscles, and kidneys. A deficiency in magnesium has been associated with high blood pressure. Hawthorn has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat irregular heartbeat, angina, and high blood pressure. Coleus forskohlii, also known as Plectranthus barbatus, is a plant native to India. It has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to help treat blood pressure.
Label Information and Ingredients: Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take three (3) tablets daily, or as directed by a health care professional. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light.
Supplemental Facts
Serving Size: 3 Tablet(s)
IngredientsPer Serving% DVMagnesium (as citrate oxide)600 mg 150%Hawthorn Extract (Crataegus oxyacantha) (Standardized to 1.8%(10.8mg) vitexin)600 mg *Coleus Forskohlii Extract **(Standardized to 10%(20mg) forskolin)200 mg *Taurine 300 mg *Hops Strobiles (Humulus lupulus)60 mg ** Daily Value Not Established
Notes: **Forslean™ brand from Sabinsa.
Other Ingredients: Dicalcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, cellulose, vegetable stearin, and silica.
Contains No Added: sugar, salt, dairy, yeast, wheat, corn, soy, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.
Caution: Keep out of reach of children.
QUALITY AND POTENCY GUARANTEED
$ 20.95
- Provides combination of herbs and minerals formulated to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
- Is all natural.
- Includes hawthorn, magnesium, taurine, hops strobiles, and coleus forskohlii.
All-Natural Blood Pressure Support Blood Pressure Support contains a unique blend of natural supplements and herbs that may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Magnesium is a well-known and important mineral for the heart, muscles, and kidneys. A deficiency in magnesium has been associated with high blood pressure. Hawthorn has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat irregular heartbeat, angina, and high blood pressure. Coleus forskohlii, also known as Plectranthus barbatus, is a plant native to India. It has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to help treat blood pressure.
Label Information and Ingredients: Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take three (3) tablets daily, or as directed by a health care professional. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light.
Supplemental Facts
Serving Size: 3 Tablet(s)
IngredientsPer Serving% DVMagnesium (as citrate oxide)600 mg 150%Hawthorn Extract (Crataegus oxyacantha) (Standardized to 1.8%(10.8mg) vitexin)600 mg *Coleus Forskohlii Extract **(Standardized to 10%(20mg) forskolin)200 mg *Taurine 300 mg *Hops Strobiles (Humulus lupulus)60 mg ** Daily Value Not Established
Notes: **Forslean™ brand from Sabinsa.
Other Ingredients: Dicalcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, cellulose, vegetable stearin, and silica.
Contains No Added: sugar, salt, dairy, yeast, wheat, corn, soy, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.
Caution: Keep out of reach of children.
QUALITY AND POTENCY GUARANTEED
Works well
by Gayle
A little expensive for herbs, but if they work, I guess it is worth it. This product seems to work in an uncanny way.
Good simple product
by John L.
I do not see anything about this product that is really unique, but it is effective. I have been pleased with all the Vitabase products I have tried.
Good
by Katelyn
A little pricey, but the ingredients are great, and this has worked well for my father.
Great!
by Frank
My grandmother has been taking this product for her high blood pressure. This product has helped to lower her high blood pressure and has helped her to become more active without worrying about what her blood pressure is. She has been on this product for about 6 months and has seen great results. She highly recommends this product!
Blood Pressure Support
by Cassandra
My boyfriend was recently diagnosed with normal-high blood pressure. He was given a prescription medicine but discontinued it within two days because of the side effects. The side effects included a very red face, a sudden increase in heart beat, shortness of breath, and tightening of the chest. He didn't like this at all.
We went back to the doctor and pleaded for an alternative. He said that we could go to the drug store and try some of the OTC medicines and this was one of the ones we tried.
We purchased one bottle of this product -- there were 90 tablets and at 3 tablets per day, it was a one month supply. We were very happy with the results. After a week and a half we noticed a minor, but consistent, drop in his blood pressure.
I think if you have high blood pressure, you should consult with your doctor before making any changes. We felt this product worked for him, but we're not sure if it would have had a good enough effect if his blood pressure was any higher.
Does Work
by Donna
My husband has high blood pressure. Although he takes two different b/p medications, he wasn't always achieving the type of control he wanted, especially during times of stress. He decided to add Blood Pressure Support and monitor the results via a home b/p machine.
Over a six-week period, his b/p improved modestly and he had less fluctuations on a daily basis. He reported his findings to his doctor and got approval to keep taking this product, along with his other medications.
Overall, I would recommend this product to someone who needs minimal changes to their blood pressure readings, although it is always best to check with a physician first.
by Gayle
A little expensive for herbs, but if they work, I guess it is worth it. This product seems to work in an uncanny way.
Good simple product
by John L.
I do not see anything about this product that is really unique, but it is effective. I have been pleased with all the Vitabase products I have tried.
Good
by Katelyn
A little pricey, but the ingredients are great, and this has worked well for my father.
Great!
by Frank
My grandmother has been taking this product for her high blood pressure. This product has helped to lower her high blood pressure and has helped her to become more active without worrying about what her blood pressure is. She has been on this product for about 6 months and has seen great results. She highly recommends this product!
Blood Pressure Support
by Cassandra
My boyfriend was recently diagnosed with normal-high blood pressure. He was given a prescription medicine but discontinued it within two days because of the side effects. The side effects included a very red face, a sudden increase in heart beat, shortness of breath, and tightening of the chest. He didn't like this at all.
We went back to the doctor and pleaded for an alternative. He said that we could go to the drug store and try some of the OTC medicines and this was one of the ones we tried.
We purchased one bottle of this product -- there were 90 tablets and at 3 tablets per day, it was a one month supply. We were very happy with the results. After a week and a half we noticed a minor, but consistent, drop in his blood pressure.
I think if you have high blood pressure, you should consult with your doctor before making any changes. We felt this product worked for him, but we're not sure if it would have had a good enough effect if his blood pressure was any higher.
Does Work
by Donna
My husband has high blood pressure. Although he takes two different b/p medications, he wasn't always achieving the type of control he wanted, especially during times of stress. He decided to add Blood Pressure Support and monitor the results via a home b/p machine.
Over a six-week period, his b/p improved modestly and he had less fluctuations on a daily basis. He reported his findings to his doctor and got approval to keep taking this product, along with his other medications.
Overall, I would recommend this product to someone who needs minimal changes to their blood pressure readings, although it is always best to check with a physician first.
PRICE: $ 4.99
Garlic and Parsley Vitabase | High Potency Heart Supplement Supports heart health and healthy cholesterol levels. Contains 500 mg of garlic oil. Includes parsley oil, added for deodorizing properties. Supports a healthy immune system. Garlic and Parsley for a Healthy Circulatory System Garlic has been used for both food and medicine for centuries, dating as far back as the time of the Egyptian pyramids. Garlic has been used for a variety of fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. It is also shown to maintain cholesterol levels already in a healthy range. A 2003 study found that garlic helps lower levels of a harmful agent known as homocysteine, but more research is needed. Our softgel capsule includes 500 mg of garlic oil. In addition, we include parsley oil to minimize the odors often associated with garlic. Label Information and Ingredients: Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one (1) or more soft gelatin capsules daily. Supplemental Facts Serving Size: 1 Softgel Capsule(s); Ingredients-Per Serving;Garlic Oil (odorless extract)500 mg/Parsley (equal to 100 mg fresh parsley)200 mg/Chlorophyll.28 mg/ Daily Value Not Established Other Ingredients: Soybean oil, Aerosil 300 USP, parsley seed oil concentrate 500:1, chlorophyll, gelatin, glycerin, and purified water. Contains No Added: sugar, starch, yeast, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose. Pregnant or nursing mothers,children under 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if outer seal is damaged or missing. QUALITY AND POTENCY GUARANTEED |
Cod Liver Oil (650 mg)
Fish Oil Omega-3 Supplement PRICE: $ 7.27 Contains omega-3 fatty acids, which the American Heart Association has endorsed as good for the heart. Supportive but inconclusive research shows that the consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Offers convenient softgel that eliminates bad taste. Provides valuable source of omega-3 essential fatty acids and vitamin D. Cod Liver Oil: A Valuable Source of Omega-3 The use of cod liver oil has been around for centuries, beginning in the fishing villages of Scotland, Iceland, Norway, and Greenland. Originally used to help relieve the pains of rheumatoid arthritis and stiff joints, its value was not fully established until researchers examined it closely in the middle of the 20th century. Cod liver oil is a valuable source of the omega-3 essential fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It is also an excellent source of vitamin D. Good for the Heart The American Heart Association has endorsed omega-3 fatty acids as good for the heart. Supportive but inconclusive research shows that the consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Two clinical studies concluded that including omega-3 rich foods or supplements in the diet could help prevent sudden death from abnormal heart rhythms. However, more studies are needed before a conclusive health benefit can be established. Other Benefits of Omega-3 Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids like those found in cod liver oil have beneficial effects on several conditions. For example, patients taking fish oil supplements saw notable reductions in tender joints and morning stiffness as well as an increase in grip strength. Studies have shown that fish oil supplements reduced the need for pain medications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Again, further research and studies are necessary before specific health benefits can be established. Early laboratory studies appear to show that omega-3 fatty acids might prolong life in those with autoimmune disorders like diabetes. It also appears to decrease abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and pain associated with Crohn’s disease. Label Information and Ingredients: Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take one (1) softgel capsule, one (1) to three (3) times daily with meals, or as directed by a health care professional. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light. Supplemental Facts Serving Size: 1 Softgel Capsule(s)-Ingredients-Per Serving/Calories-5/Calories from Fat-5,Total Fat-0.5 g 2%/Vitamin A (from Cod Liver Oil)1250 iu-25%/Vitamin D (from Cod Liver Oil)135 iu,34%,Cod Liver Oil,400 mg/ * Daily Value Not Established Notes: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Other Ingredients: Gelatin, glycerin and water. Contains No Added: sugar, salt, dairy, yeast, wheat, corn, soy, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. Caution: Keep out of reach of children. QUALITY AND POTENCY GUARANTEED |