What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. It’s measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the top number and represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood. Diastolic pressure is the bottom number and represents the pressure in the arteries between beats, when the heart is resting and refilling with blood. A typical blood pressure reading is recorded as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure, for example, 120/80 mm Hg. This means that the systolic pressure is 120 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is 80 mm Hg. Normal blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure of less than 80 mm Hg. High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher. It’s important to regularly monitor your blood pressure, as high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke, if left untreated.

Causes for blood pressure

There are several factors that can contribute to high blood pressure (hypertension), including: Genetics: High blood pressure can run in families and be caused by inherited genes. Age: As you age, your blood vessels become less flexible and less able to expand and contract, leading to higher blood pressure. Lifestyle factors: Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as a diet high in salt, lack of physical activity, and smoking, can increase your risk of high blood pressure. Overweight or obesity: Excess weight, especially around the waist, can increase your risk of high blood pressure. Chronic conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, and diabetes, can raise your risk of high blood pressure. Stress: Chronic stress can lead to elevated blood pressure levels. Medications: Some medications, such as birth control pills and decongestants, can increase your blood pressure. It’s important to understand that high blood pressure can develop as a result of multiple factors, and a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and monitoring are often needed to manage it effectively. If you have concerns about your blood pressure, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Side effects of blood pressure

  High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to several serious health problems, including: Heart disease: High blood pressure can damage the heart and blood vessels, leading to heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Kidney damage: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease or kidney failure. Eye damage: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems, including vision loss. Brain damage: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the brain, leading to memory problems and an increased risk of dementia. Sexual dysfunction: High blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the sexual organs, leading to sexual dysfunction in men and women. Bone loss: High blood pressure can lead to an increased risk of bone loss and osteoporosis. Peripheral artery disease: High blood pressure can lead to the development of peripheral artery disease, which occurs when blood flow to the legs and feet is restricted. It’s important to monitor and control your blood pressure to prevent these health problems and to maintain overall cardiovascular health. If you have high blood pressure, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for an individualized treatment plan.  

What should be the Normal blood pressure?

Normal blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure (the top number) of less than 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and a diastolic pressure (the bottom number) of less than 80 mm Hg. Systolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, while diastolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries between beats. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg or lower is considered to be normal, and a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher is considered to be high blood pressure (hypertension). It’s important to regularly monitor your blood pressure, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke, if left untreated. If you have any concerns about your blood pressure, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.  

Ayurveda to cure high blood pressure(BP)

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers several natural remedies for high blood pressure (hypertension). Here are a few remedies you can try: Shankhapushpi: This herb is known to regulate blood pressure levels and has a calming effect on the mind and body. Brahmi: Brahmi is an herb that has been used for centuries to lower stress levels and improve cardiovascular health. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is a highly revered herb in Ayurveda, known for its stress-relieving and blood pressure-lowering properties. Holy basil: Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, has been shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure levels. Triphala: Triphala is a blend of three fruits that has been used in Ayurveda for its ability to purify the blood and improve circulation. Amla: Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is high in antioxidants and has been shown to help regulate blood pressure levels. Garlic: Garlic has been found to have a positive effect on blood pressure levels, and it is also a good source of antioxidants. It’s important to remember that these remedies are complementary to, not a replacement for, conventional medical treatment and monitoring. If you have high blood pressure, you should consult a healthcare professional to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.