Among some of the known silent killers, high blood pressure is one of them. This is due to the fact that it is usually symptomless. People might not aware that they have high blood pressure problem unless check it regularly or the when the problem already in advance stage. In the US, at least 30% of all adults have high blood pressure.
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What is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against the artery walls. Too much pressure can damage the arteries and threated the heart which could lead to condition such as heart disease and stroke.
Typically, blood pressure recorded as two number which are written in ratio. The top one is systolic and the bottom one is diastolic. The normal measure for blood pressure is about 90/60 for babies and 120/80 for adults.
Some condition like physical activity and change in emotional state can increase blood pressure. So if you see some raise in your blood pressure measurement after you run, brisk walk, or giving a speech in front of large audience, there is nothing to worry about. But if your blood pressure steadily show the result above 140/90 most of the time, then you need to visit a doctor for get proper diagnosis and treatment.
What Cause Blood Pressure?
People who have a family history in high blood pressure are more prone to develop this condition. Older people also have higher risk to have high blood pressure. Other than that, lifestyle contribute a lot in the development of this health issue.
Sedentary lifestyle, smoking alcohol consumption, obesity, stress, deficiency in potassium and vitamin D, and high consumption of salt can increase the risk of someone gets hypertension in the future.
The Danger of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can increase the risk of several health issue including heart attack, diabetes, stroke, kidney disease, heart failure, vision loss, and metabolic syndrome. The good news is, you can prevent this problem from happening.
The first wall of defense to hypertension if a regular blood pressure checkup. Oftentimes, people don’t even know they have blood pressure because almost show no sign. Beside, you also need to adopt healthy habit like doing regular exercise, avoid smoking and alcohol, limit your salt intake, get enough sleep, and manage your stress.
3 Effective Herb to Lower High Blood Pressure
When you already diagnose with high blood pressure, maintain a healthy lifestyle become imperative. Other than that, there are some herbs that can also help you lower high blood pressure.
1.Garlic
Garlic provide a lot of healthy benefit to your body and one of them is to lower high blood pressure. Garlic has the ability to relax and dilate your blood vessel which allow blood to flow more freely and thus reduce blood pressure.
2.Basil
Basil is often used in various foods. A study has shown that basil extract has the ability to lower blood pressure, though the effect is temporary. You can grow a small pot of this herb in your kitchen garden and add fresh basil leaves to your soup, salad, pasta, and casseroles.
3.Cinnamon
Another herb that also has the ability to lower high blood pressure is cinnamon. Consuming cinnamon every day has been proven to lower blood pressure in people with diabetes. You can add cinnamon to your oatmeal, cereal, or even your coffee.
Though the above herbs has the ability to lower your blood pressure, you need to ensure that you consult to your doctor prior taking the remedies, especially if you also taking medication to lower blood pressure. Remember that you also need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to manage your blood pressure and protect yourself from the risk of chronic disease.
Reference:
http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/understanding-high-blood-pressure-basics
http://www.healthline.com/health/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/herbs-to-lower#Overview1