High blood pressure is largely a silent disease; a silent killer.
You may feel a slight headache, but unless your doctor catches it, your first symptom may be heart failure or a stroke.
The results of not monitoring and correcting the problem could cost you your life.
Blood pressure is measured by taking a reading when the heart is beating and when it is at rest between beats.
The top number is called systolic, and is higher than than the bottom, or diastolic reading.
Normal numbers should be around 120/80.
It is considered high when it is 140/90 and higher.
There are many complications that can occur when the pressure is not controlled.
Congestive heart failure, strokes, aneurysms and kidney failure are likely, and a recent study indicates it could be a cause for dementia.
The risks for dying from a heart attack is linked linked to high blood pressure.
There are many things that can be done to control the problem.
Your doctor may prescribe medications, ask you to change your diet and suggest an exercise program.
All of these are very beneficial.
Reducing the sodium, fat and cholesterol in your diet will improve your cardiovascular health.
Taking a half hour walk three to five days a week can be as useful.
There are a few supplements that may be useful.
Fish oil, or other products containing omega-3 fatty acids are helpful for many problems, including blood pressure and cholesterol.
It can be good for depression and your skin as well.
Garlic supplements can do a lot of good in dealing with the pressure, but not as much good for lowering cholesterol.
There are other herbs people may suggest, but it would be wise to consult a qualified herbal practitioner...
as well as your doctor and pharmacist...
before you take them.
Motherwort and hawthorn are two examples.
They could interact with medications and have several side effects.
Foxglove is another possible suggestion, but I do not suggest anyone use it.
Pharmaceutical companies use it to create digitalis, which is a prescription medication.
Taking it can kill you in a hurry.