High Blood Pressure and Hypertension
High Blood Pressure or hypertension is a condition where the blood presses into the arteries with too much force, causing the heart to take an excess load. Left untreated, hypertension could result in many serious medical conditions like stroke, heart disease and kidney problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension
Uncomplicated high blood pressure is called the silent killer because in most cases, there are no symptoms. The problem could develop and remain silently inside the body, without the patient developing any outward symptoms. The exact reasons why hypertension occurs are not yet known. Some patients who have high blood pressure may experience the following conditions:
- Dizziness
- Visionary problems
- Severe headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Fatigue, general feeling of tiredness
- Some blood in urine
- Chest pains and irregular heartbeat
Studies suggest that more men than women are likely to develop hypertension up to the age of 45, but by 65 years, women are more prone to have hypertension. 60% of the people who have diabetes also have hypertension. Another risk factor that leads to hypertension is when it runs in the family. African-Americans are the most at risk of having high blood pressure.
Factors that can Lead to Hypertension
Some of the things that might cause hypertension include:
High Intake of Sodium
Sodium is present in salt. Too much consumption of sodium increases the blood pressure which allows the body to retain fluids and hence cause the heart to become overburdened. This can eventually lead to hypertension.
Stress
Research does not support the fact that stress can lead to hypertension, though it does raise the blood pressure temporarily. This rise in the blood pressure could lead to heart disease that can indirectly be linked to hypertension.
Overweight or Obesity
Being overweight or obese can lead to high blood pressure. This is because when you have excess weight, the heart needs to put more effort into circulating blood around the body.
Alcohol
Drinking heavily can also cause hypertension. It is advised that men only consume a maximum of two glasses of alcohol and women one glass of alcohol per day.
Alternative Treatment for Hypertension: Chiropractic Care
Hypertension can be treated with medicine and with a controlled diet as well as a proper exercise plans. Another way of treating hypertension is through Chiropractic care. Research suggested that 25 patients with early-stage high blood pressure when treated with Chiropractic care saw significant lowering of the blood pressure. There was a decrease of 14mm Hg in the top number of blood pressure (systolic) and 8mm Hg in the bottom blood pressure number (diastolic).
The treatment works by adjusting the C-1 vertebra, also known as the Atlas vertebra. A Chiropractor gently manipulates the vertebra in order to cause slight realignment that helps in reducing the blood pressure. It still hasn’t been determined if this cure would work for every patient of hypertension, but it has worked for many. This shows that with more research into this branch of Chiropractic care, treatment of hypertension can work wonders.
- by Lotus Wellness Center