What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body.
How is blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as 2 figures:
~ systolic pressure – the pressure when your heart pushes blood out.
~ diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
For example, if your blood pressure is “140 over 90” or 140/90mmHg, it means you have a systolic pressure of 140mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 90mmHg.
As a general guide:
ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher.
Low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60mmHg or lower.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is when your blood pressure, the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels, is consistently too high.
Over time, the force and friction of high blood pressure damages the delicate tissues inside the arteries. In turn, LDL (bad) cholesterol forms plaque along tiny tears in the artery walls, signifying the start of atherosclerosis.
The more the plaque, the more the damage increases and the narrower (smaller) the insides of the arteries become — raising blood pressure and starting a vicious circle that further harms your arteries, heart and the rest of your body. This can ultimately lead to other conditions ranging from arrhythmia to heart attack, stroke, coronary heart disease, kidney disease, sexual dysfunction/Impotence etc.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
For most people, the cause of high blood pressure is not known. However, it is clear that various conditions and behaviour make high blood pressure more likely. These are known as risk factors and include:
• leading a sedentary lifestyle (with little or no exercise)
• smoking
• being overweight
• a diet with a high salt intake
• high blood cholesterol & triglycerides
• a family history of high blood pressure
• high alcohol consumption
• diabetes
What are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, and feel quite well. This is why it’s important to see your doctor or health care provider and have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have one or more of the risk factors listed above.
A few people with very high blood pressure may experience headache, dizziness or sudden effects of diseases of the arteries such as chest pain or stroke.
Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure is a reading of less than 90/60mmHg. It does not always cause symptoms, but you may need treatment if it does.
What are the Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure?
The symptoms of low blood pressure may include;
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• feeling sick
• blurred vision
• generally feeling weak
• confusion
• fatigue & fainting
You must get your blood pressure checked if you keep getting the above symptoms. These symptoms can occur when doing nothing. They are more likely to occur when changing position, such as standing up or when straining in the toilet.
What Causes Low Blood Pressure?
Apart from being very fit, people can have low blood pressure if they:
• are overheated, either from the weather, from hot baths or showers, or from wearing too many clothes
• have too little blood circulating, either from donating blood, from bleeding heavily, or from being dehydrated
• are pregnant
• are taking one of many different types of medicines
• have a lot of drugs or alcohol in the system
People can also have low blood pressure due to medical conditions, such as if they:
• are having an allergic reaction
• are seriously ill with an infection
• have certain heart conditions
• have a disorder of the nervous system or glandular (endocrine) system
• are in severe pain
• have nutritional deficiencies
Homeopathic Treatment of High Or Low Blood pressures
Lifestyle changes and diets may not be enough in taking care of your blood pressure issues. Some people also need medication to help manage blood pressure levels. While orthodox medicines may be effective at managing blood pressure, they may cause side effects in some people, but homeopathy has a lot to offer you naturally and holistically without no known side effects.
Homeopathic medicines use to treat high or low blood pressure are made of natural substances and can be used by people of all age groups without any side effects. For best results, proper lifestyle measures and good dietary guidelines should be adopted along with homeopathic treatment for blood pressure issues.
Remember, avoid self medication. You need to visit a professional homeopath, who will prescribe you the remedy best suited for you after a detail case taking.
For more details, contact the homeopath Oluwafunmise on 0802 836 6901 or 0818 355 4665
