High blood pressure – “The Silent Killer”
High blood pressure is when the force of the blood against the artery walls are too high, it is measured as blood pressure above 120/80 mm Hg.
Most patients do not have any symptoms; hence it is called the silent killer. Hypertension puts you at risk for many diseases.
Symptoms Of Hypertension:
- Fainting / Dizziness
- Headaches
- Chest Pain / Angina
- Difficulty Breathing
- Oedema
- Fatigue
- Nosebleeds
- Blurred vision
- Arrythmias
- Swollen abdomen
Complications / Disease Risks:
- Stroke
- Heart Failure / Heart Attack
- Kidney Disease
- Sexual Disfunction
Management Of Hypertension:
Hypertension can effectively be treated and managed with homeopathic medicine.
Hypertension is termed a lifestyle disease and requires lifestyle changes. These include reducing salt intake, managing your diet (DASH DIET) and regularly exercising. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) introduces healthy eating by promoting more fruits and vegetables, lean meats, healthy fats, and less sodium and sugar.
Research shows that people with hypertension who follow the DASH diet can see their blood pressure numbers begin to fall after just two weeks.
High salt (sodium chloride) can prevent your blood levels from lowering and may increase your blood pressure. Too much salt in your diet causes you to retain fluid, making it harder for your heart to pump blood through your body, leading to high blood pressure.
Salt substitutes (sodium Free) are a great option, most salt substitutes are made of potassium chloride and taste like normal salt (sodium chloride).
*However, salt substitutes are not recommended for hypertensive patients with kidney disease. Those with kidney disease should opt for low sodium salt (contains sodium chloride and not potassium chloride) or herbs for flavour.
A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for heart disease. For example, people who are less active and less physically fit have a 30%-50% greater chance of hypertension than those who are physically active.
Physical activity dilates your blood vessels and helps keep your arteries soft and flexible. It also promotes healthy cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity.
Exercise also helps keep your heart strong, and when your heart is strong, it doesn’t have to work as hard, which lowers blood pressure.
Dr Aanisah Coopoo
Homeopathic Practitioner
