Drugs used in the treatment of hypertension include thiazide diuretics, beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. The newer ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers were promoted as being better for the treatment of hypertension than the older thiazide diuretics and beta blockers, however this was mostly marketing hype since the newer drugs were on patent and made more money for the drug companies. However the studies showed that, at least compared to thiazide diuretics, the newer drugs weren’t as good, even they cost much more.
Thiazide diuretic drugs work for hypertension by increasing urine output and decreasing the volume of fluid in your circulation, which they achieve by increasing sodium excretion from the kidney, which drags water along with it. Examples include hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, Hydrodiuril, Microzide) and chlorthalidone (Hygroton). Thiazides promote calcium retention and prevent bone loss and fractures. However, they can negatively interact with an extensive list of medications, which are listed in the Physicians Desk Reference.
Their main problem is that they cause is frequent urination, which is inconvenient to say the least. They can also be associated with a loss of potassium Low serum potassium, or hypokalemia, is a potentially fatal condition, that can be associated with symptoms of muscle weakness, confusion, dizziness that can lead to falls, and heart arrhythmias. For people with a healthy diet, this is not a problem. You can also possible to take potassium supplements by mouth every day, to avoid the problem of potassium depletion with diuretics. A sub-category of these drugs, the so-called thiazide-like diuretic indapamide (Lozol) can cause life-threatening drops of sodium in the blood. In 1992 the Australian authorities reported 164 cases of this potentially life threatening condition, which is associated with confusion, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite, fatigue, fainting, sleepiness, and possible convulsions. Since it doesn’t work better than hydrochlorothiazide, and is potentially dangerous, it should not be used.
ACE inhibitors are one of the newest types of hypertension drugs. They act on the renin-angiotensin system that regulates blood pressure and kidney function. Normally, the molecule angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II by the angiotensin-converting enzyme. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that makes your blood vessels close down. By blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme, you make the blood vessels relax, decreasing blood pressure. Examples of this type of drug include lisinopril (Prinivil), enalapril (Vasotec), ramipril (Altace), benazepril (Lotensin), fosinopril (Monopril), and captopril (Capoten). Side effects of ACE inhibitors include headache, flushing, diarrhea, rash, and more rarely dizziness, heart failure or stroke. One of the most annoying side effects is a dry persistent cough. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), like valsartan (Diovan), irbesartan (Avapro), olmesartan (Benicar), candesartan (Atacand), and losartan (Cozaar; Hyzaar when combined with hydrochlorothiazide) act on the angiotensin receptor to block its effects, thereby reducing blood pressure. Side effects include dizziness, diarrhea, rash, and more rarely anxiety, muscle pains, upper respiratory track infection, low blood pressure or elevations in potassium.
Calcium channel blockers act on the lining of the blood vessels. When these channels let calcium in, the blood vessels constrict. By blocking the calcium channels, these drugs cause the vessels to relax, as a result blood pressure goes down. Examples of this type of drug include amlodipine (Norvasc), verapamil (Calan), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), and diltiazem (Tiazac). Side effects include constipation, dizziness, headache, nausea, and more rarely low blood pressure, heart failure or arrhythmias.
Calcium channel blockers have not been found to prevent heart attacks better than diuretics (ALLHAT 2002; Black et al 2003; Brown et al 2000; Hansson et al 2000). In fact, one study showed that calcium channel blockers (nifedipine) did not prevent heart attacks or chest pain (angina) any better than a placebo, or sugar pill (Poole-Wilson et al 2004). A meta analysis of all studies combined showed that treatment with calcium channel blockers did not improve mortality more than a placebo, although ACE inhibitors did (BPLTTC. 2000). Another meta analysis found that treatment with calcium channel blockers when compared to other medication treatments for high blood pressure was associated with a relative 26% increase in heart attacks, 25% increase in heart failure, and 10% increase in major cardiovascular events (Pahor et al 2000). Furthermore, for women calcium channel blockers increased the risk of heart attack or stroke by 18% (Poole-Wilson et al 2004). Calcium channel blockers have been found to increase the risk of heart failure relative to other antihypertension drugs in several studies,(Black et al 2003; BPLTTC. 2000; Pahor et al 2000; Pepine et al 2003) overall by about 20% (BPLTTC 2003). In spite of this, one of the calcium channel blockers, amlodipine, continues to be a blockbuster drug, with 2 billion dollars a year in sales reported in 2003, a year after the troubling reports of heart failure with calcium channel blockers was published.
In the NIH-sponsored Antihypertensive and Lipid Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT). In ALLHAT, the largest study of antihypertensive medications ever performed, different types of antihypertensive treatments were compared in 33,357 patients with high blood pressure and one other risk factor for heart disease were randomly assigned to the “old” drug chlorthalidone (diuretic), or the “new” drugs amlodipine (calcium channel blocker), or lisinopril (ACE inhibitor). Rates of fatal and nonfatal heart attacks were essentially the same between the three treatments (ALLHAT 2002). There was a 38% increase in heart failure with amlodipine compared to chlorthalidone. For lisinopril there were increased rates of total cardiovascular disease outcomes (10%), stroke (15%) and heart failure (19%) compared to chlorthalidone.
Since the time of ALLHAT other studies have not shown that ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers work better than diuretics, even though they cost more. And like ALLHAT, some of these studies show cause for concern.
As I mentioned above, many of the studies involved a comparison of “old” and “new” drugs, showing no difference in heart attacks and strokes for the two types of drugs. For the old drugs the studies often lumped together atenolol and a diuretic. However as I will explain later in more detail atenolol is probably not a very good drug, so these studies may have hid the fact that diuretics are better! In any case they show that there is no reason to spend more money on the new drugs. Follow along now while I spell out some of those studies.
For instance, in the NORdic DILtiazem (NORDIL) study, (Hansson et al 2000) which compared diltiazem (calcium channel blocker) to diuretics and/or beta blockers in 10,881 patients from Norway and Sweden, there were no differences in rates of fatal or non-fatal heart. Other studies which showed essentially identical rates of heart attack or stroke included The Controlled ONset Verapamil INvestigation of Cardiovascular End points (CONVINCE) Trial, a study of 16,602 patients who received verapamil (calcium channel blocker), or atenolol (beta blocker)/hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic) (Black et al 2003). The INternational VErapamil trandolapril STudy (INVEST), which compared the calcium channel blocker verapamil to the beta blocker atenolol in 22,576 patients (Pepine et al 2003). The Swedish Trial in Old Patients with Hypertension 2 (STOP-2) (Hansson et al 1999a) study, which randomised 6614 patients age 70-84 to either “new” drugs like calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitors, or “old” drugs diuretics and beta blockers, and the CAptopril Prevention Project (CAPPP) as study of captopril (ACE inhibitor) versus diuretics and/or beta blocker in 10,985 patients (Hansson et al 1999b).
Not only was it difficult to show that the new drugs were better than the old (the marketing goal that drove the design of the studies), it wasn’t easy to show that taking the drugs was better than doing nothing. For instance, in the ACTION Study (A Coronary disease Trial Investigating Outcome with Nifedipine), 7665 patients with stable angina received the calcium channel blocker nifedipine or placebo in a randomized trial (Poole-Wilson et al 2004). There was no difference in a combined measure of fatal and non-fatal heart attack or stroke, revascularization, or heart failure. Death from heart disease was equal in the groups, and there was a 16% increase in non-cardiac deaths with nifedipine that was not statistically significant. Women on nifedipine had an 18% increase in this measure of cardiac events, although the difference was not statistically significant. In the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) Study, 9297 patients at high risk for heart disease were randomized to the ACE inhibitor ramipril or placebo in addition to their usual treatment (HOPE 2000). A fatal or non-fatal heart attack or stroke was seen in 14.0% of the ramipril patients compared to 17.8% on placebo, a difference that was statistically significant. In the Prevention of Events with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibition (PEACE) Trial, a study of 8290 patients with heart disease, the addition of the ACE inhibitor Trandolapril had no effect on reducing heart attacks and coronary revascularization procedures compared to a placebo (PEACE 2004). These results led to an editorial called “ACE inhibitors in Patients with Stable Heart Disease-may they rest in Peace?”
The Valsartan Antihypertensive Long term Use Evaluation (VALUE) study compared the ARB valsartan to the calcium channel blocker amlodipine in 15,245 patients over age 50 with high blood pressure and a high risk of heart disease (Julius et al 2004). The study found no difference between the two drugs in fatal and non-fatal heart attacks and other cardiac events. More non-fatal heart attacks were seen with valsartan, but there was also less development of diabetes. This study led to an editorial called “Is there Value in Value?”
When new drugs were compared to diuretics alone, their performance was worse. For instance, the Multicenter Isradipine Diuretic Atherosclerosis Study (MIDAS) compared the calcium channel blocker isradipine to the diuretic chlorthalidone in 883 patients with high blood pressure. Twenty five patients on isradipine had a major cardiovascular event (heart attack, stroke, heart failure, death or angina) compared to 14 on diuretic, a difference which was statistically significant (Borhani et al 1996). In the International Nifedipine GITS Study: Intervention as a Goal in Hypertension Treatment (INSIGHT) study (Brown et al 2000) 6321 patients aged 55-80 with hypertension and one risk factor for heart disease were randomly assigned to nifedipine or co-amilozide (hydrochlorothiazide+amiloride, both diuretics). In the nifedipine group, 200 had cardiovascular death, heart attack, heart failure or stroke (combined) versus 182 in the diuretic group, which was not statistically significant. The nifedipine group did have significantly more fatal heart attacks (16 versus 5) and non-fatal heart failure (24 versus 11).
Dr. Bruce Psaty and colleagues from the University of Washington in Seattle looked at all of the data from trials that had been published up to 2003. Overall they found that diuretics were superior to all other treatments (Psaty et al 2003). Compared to placebo diuretics reduced the risk of heart disease by 21%, heart failure by 49%, stroke by 29% and total mortality by 10% (all significant). Diuretics compared to calcium channel blockers had 6% fewer cardiovascular disease events and 26% less heart failure; compared to ACE inhibitors there was 12% less heart failure, 6% less cardiovascular disease events and 14% less stroke. Diuretics compared to beta blockers had 11% less cardiovascular disease events. All treatments were similar in their ability to lower blood pressure. The authors concluded that diuretics (but not beta blockers, as was the recommendation at the time) should be the first line of treatment for high blood pressure.
Most of the studies of antihypertensive medications have been done in men. In the only study focused on women, 30,219 women with hypertension without heart disease were assessed for the relationship between anti-hypertensive therapy and outcome. Use of calcium channel blockers compared to diuretic was associated with a 55% increased risk of cardiovascular death, diuretic plus calcium channel blocker was associated with an 85% increased risk of cardiovascular death compared to diuretic plus beta-blocker. The risk increased to 2.16 when women with diabetes were excluded (Bhatt et al 2006; Wassertheil-Smoller et al 2004).
The alpha-blockers block the alpha noradrenergic receptor in the heart and blood vessels, and include doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress) and terazosin (Hytrin). A related drug called Labetalol (Normodyne) blocks both alpha and beta-receptors. The Antihypertensive and Lipid Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) Study showed that the alpha blocker Cardura doubled the risk of heart failure and increased the risk of stroke and all cardiovascular disease when compared to diuretic. This led to the study being stopped early; the authors of ALLHAT concluded that alpha-blockers should not be used in the treatment of hypertension (Davis 2000). Based on this I believe that there is no role for alpha-blockers in the treatment of patients with hypertension.
What is the bottom line for the treatment of hypertension? First things first. Cut sodium from your diet. That means making your own dinner whenever possible, since processed, canned and frozen foods are full of sodium, as food meals. Exercise by moderate walking for 30 minutes three times a week. Try stress reduction or meditation. Stop smoking. Do not drink alcohol in excessive amounts.
If these changes fail to lower your blood pressure, you may need medication. Work with your doctor to find out what works best for you. You may need to be started on the standard and least expensive treatment, diuretics. They work better than the newer drugs, based on the research I outlined earlier, and they have fewer side effects overall than the newer medications. This is especially true if you are African-American. You should definitely not take an ACE inhibitor or calcium channel blocker if you are not taking a diuretic.
Alpha-blockers should not be taken under any circumstances. These drugs seem to cause more heart problems than conventional diuretic treatments. Potassium sparing diuretics are dangerous and should be avoided.

If your blood pressure is not controlled with a diuretic, you may need to add another medication. This means going to a beta blocker, ACE inhibitor or calcium channel blocker. I do not recommend atenolol; you can use another beta blocker like metoprolol. Women should not take a calcium channel blocker. ACE inhibitors or ARB drugs can help whites with left ventricular (heart pump) failure.

ALLHAT (2002): Major outcomes in high-risk hypertensive patients randomized to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or calcium channel blocker vs diuretic: The Antihypertensive and lipid-lowering treatment to prevent heart attack trial (ALLHAT). Journal of the American Medical Association 288:2981-2997.

Bhatt D, Fox KAa, Hacke W, et al (2006): Clopidogrel and aspirin versus aspirin alone for the prevention of atherothrombotic events. New England Journal of Medicine 354:1706-1717. Black HR, Elliott WJ, Grandits G, et al (2003): Principal results of the Controlled Onset Verapamil Investigation of Cardiovascular End Points (CONVINCE) Trial. Journal of the American Medical Association 289:2073-2082.

Borhani N, Mercuir M, Borhani PA, et al (1996): Final outcome results of the Multicenter Isradipine Diuretic Atherosclerosis Study (MIDAS): A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association 276:785-791.

BPLTTC (2003): Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment Trialists’ Collaboration. Effects of different blood-pressure-lowering regimens on major cardiovascular events: results of prospectively-designed overviews of randomised trials. Lancet 362:1527-1535.

BPLTTC. (2000): Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment Trialists Collaboration. Effects of ACE inhibitors, calcium antagonists, and other blood-pressure-lowering drugs: results of prospectively designed overviews of randomised trials. Lancet 355:1955-1964.

Brown MJ, Palmer CR, Castaigne A, et al (2000): Morbidity and mortality in patients randomised to double-blind treatment with long-acting calcium-channel blocker or diuretic in the International Nifedipine GITS study: Intervention as a Goal in Hypertension Treatment (INSIGHT). Lancet 356:366-372.

Davis BR (2000): Major cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients randomized to doxazosin ver chlorthalidone: The Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT). Journal of the American Medical Association 283:1967-1975.

Hansson L, Hedner T, Lund-Johansen P, et al (2000): Randomised trial of effects of calcium antagonists compared with diuretics and beta blockers on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertension: the Nordic Diltiazem (NORDIL) study. Lancet 356:359-365.

Hansson L, Lindholm LH, Ekborn T, et al (1999a): Randomised trial of old and new antihypertensive drugs in elderly patients: cardiovascular mortality and morbidity the Swedish Trial in Old Patients with Hypertension-2 study. Lancet 354:1751-1756.

Hansson L, Lindholm LH, Niskanen L, et al (1999b): Effect of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibition compared with conventional therapy on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertension: the Captropril Prevention Project (CAPPP) randomised trial. Lancet 353:611-616. HOPE (2000): Effects of an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor, ramipril, on cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation Study Investigators. New England Journal of Medicine 342:145-153.

Julius S, Kjeldsen SE, Weber B, et al (2004): Outcomes in hypertensive patients at high cardiovascular risk treated with regimens based on valsartan or amlodipine: the VALUE randomised trial. Lancet 363:2022-2031.

Pahor M, Psaty BM, Alderman MH, et al (2000): Health outcomes associated with calcium antagonists compared with other first-line antihypertensive therapies: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Lancet 356:1949-1954.

PEACE (2004): The PEACE Trial Investigators. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibition in stable coronary artery disease. New England Journal of Medicine 351:2058-2068. Pepine CJ, Handberg EM, Cooper-DeHoff RM, et al (2003): A calcium antagonist vs a non-calcium antagonist hypertension treatment strategy for patients with coronary artery disease: The International Verapamil-Trandolapril Study (INVEST): A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association 21:2805-2816.

Poole-Wilson PA, Lubsen J, Kirwan B-A, et al (2004): Effect of long-acting nifedipine on mortality and cardiovascular morbidity in patients with stable angina requiring treatment (ACTION): randomised controlled trial. Lancet 364:849-857.

Psaty BM, Lumley T, Furberg CD, et al (2003): Health outcomes associated with various antihypertensive therapies used as first-line agents: A network meta-analysis. Journal of the American Medical Association 289:2534-2544.

Wassertheil-Smoller S, Psaty B, Greenland P, et al (2004): Association between cardiovascular outcomes and antihypertension drug treatment in older women. Journal of the American Medical Association 292:2849-2859.

Learn more about alternatives to medications and hidden risks of prescription medications in ‘Before You Take That Pill: Why the Drug Industry May be Bad for Your Health: Risks and Side Effects You Won’t Find on the Label of Commonly Prescribed Drugs, Vitamins and Supplements’, by researcher and physician J. Douglas Bremner, MD.

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High blood pressure signs and symptoms are not always readily apparent. Known sometimes as the silent killer or hypertension, often affects people without any symptoms manifesting at all. Alternatively, one may feel signs that are insignificant enough that the person feeling them doesn’t feel compelled to get them checked out by a doctor.

The best way to find out if you have increase in your pressure level is to get regular checkups with your doctor. It will be measured with a sphygmomanometer, or blood pressure monitor. A cuff is placed around your upper arm, and it is inflated until it feels very tight. The doctor or nurse will listen through a stethoscope placed beneath this cuff to measure the pressure level. Normal level is 120/80 or lower. The upper number is the systolic measurement, which is the active pumping of the blood from the ventricles into the arteries. The lower number is the diastolic measurement, which is the heart’s resting phase when the ventricles refill with blood. If they find the levels they consider too high, they will let you know and request that you get several more readings over the next few weeks to see if it is due to stress or true increase in the pressure of the blood.

Signs and symptoms of high blood pressure may include headaches or migraines, tiredness and fatigue, vision problems, mental confusion, dizziness, nosebleeds, chest pains, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat and blood in the urine. You probably won’t have every symptom, but if you are experiencing any of these, you should consider going to your doctor for a checkup. It is better to err on the side of caution. These symptoms may be confused as signs of other health issues. It is much better to go and get an exam and be wrong than to not go in and let your hypertension get out of control. If left untreated, it can lead to heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.

If you think you may have increased pressure lelvel of blood and you aren’t sure if you should go to the doctor, at least use one of the free testing stations located in many pharmacies. If the numbers are high, make an appointment with your doctor. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure signs and symptoms, you will be asked to do several things. You may need to change your diet and exercise more. You may be asked to lower your salt intake and cut out caffeine. You may need to take medications to reduce the levels. These medications may need to be changed frequently at first until your doctor finds one that works for you. If you have diabetes or experience high levels of stress, it is extremely important to watch your pressure levels regularly.

So watch your health. Pay attention to any signs or symptoms you may have and get them checked out before they escalate to something life-threatening.

Discover What Food to Eat for High Blood Pressure Management, Natural High Blood Pressure Remedies, and Pineapple Diet For Hypertension at my dedicated Blood Pressure Cure Tips Blog.

Dr. Eswararamanan is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article must be complete and active.

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Do you know how to cure high blood pressure with no medication? Most people would probably say to eat healthy (lower your salt-intake) and make sure you exercise. Unfortunately, most doctors tell you this and forget to tell you the other treatments you can be doing to lower your score and eventually be med-free.

The truth is that doctors are educated in medical schools were natural health and simple ‘common sense’ secrets are not taught. Unfortunately, medicine and antibiotics are only being taught because our medical industry is completely reliant upon pharmaceutical companies.

But new research is now showing the sometimes medicines are not the only treatment. In fact, some natural treatments are just as effective as their medicine counterpart.

Which is making some think, “Is there something doctors are NOT telling us?”

Naturally Treat High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure Medications (Diuretics, Beta Blockers, Alpha Blockers, and Vasodilators) work because they lower your pressure. The problem is that they make it look that you are healthy but are your numbers showing the truth?

Medications work because they synthetically alleviate the pressure of the arteries and blood. For instance, with diuretics the blood will become less salty (less thick) and your pressure with drop. Another example would be beta blockers which synthetically cause the heart to beat slower.

Though these medications look good on paper, they are NOT treating the disease known as the ’silent killer’. In fact, they could be prolonging your life but they will never fully treat the disease. And statistics show that users will eventually die from the deadly disease.

But what if you could naturally treat high blood pressure.

7 Hypertension Tips Your Doctor Won’t Share with You

So you want to know, ‘how to cure high blood pressure‘? First, you need to know how to prevent the disease holistically. Because curing the problem starts with a holistic treatment. Holistically treating hypertension simply means using the ‘whole’ body to cure the problem. This is completely different than taking a pill to synthetically thin out the blood.

1. Three Miracle Minerals- You should be supplementing your diet with 3 miracle minerals that lower high blood pressure. Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium have been shown to help the pressure in weeks.

2. Garlic- Garlic has been shown to benefit the heart, lower cholesterol and lower high blood pressure naturally. The compound in garlic, allicin, is thought to naturally lower high blood pressure. Find a quality supplement today.

3. Folic Acid- Vitamin B which is found in green leafy vegetables reduces homocysteine levels in the blood. This vitamin will lower the risk of heart disease and alleviate the pressure naturally.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar- Many or my customers have found success with apple cider vinegar which contains vitamins C, A, E, B1, B2 and B6, in addition to potassium, magnesium, and copper.

5. Relieve Stress- Do you know there are numerous ways to relieve stress? Breathing exercises, exercising, or reading a book are simple ways to relieve stress and lower high blood pressure. And there are even more than this!

6. Your Diet! You know the major Do’s and Don’ts about high blood pressure dieting. Just remember to be eating your water-soluble fibers (fruits and vegetables). Fibers, especially water-soluble, will flush your system and plaque. Also, switch to whole grains! With less plaque in the arteries you will eventually be hypertension-free! Our HBP report goes into great detail about how you can treat hypertension with your diet.

7. Green Tea! It is loaded with antioxidants and research shows it lowers high blood pressure. Whether it is the ‘relaxing’ factor or the natural herbs in green tea, 1 cup of green tea will be helpful for your health!

Normalize your High Blood Pressure in 3 Weeks or Less

What foods should you be eating? What other vitamins are a must? What exercises are an absolute do? What herbs are making doctors scratch their heads? Why is chocolate now good for you?

Are you interested in lowering your score naturally, with out drugs? We offer a 100% guaranteed, medical doctor-approved HBP Remedy Report which shares numerous natural health tips and guarantees to normalize your pressure in 3 weeks or less. If you are serious about living young again, please visit our How to Cure High Blood Pressure Website.

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How to Cure High Blood Pressure

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In a number of studies of people with high blood pressure, it has been shown that a program of regular exercise can lower blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). This decrease may not sound very much. However, for a person who is prehypertensive (between 120 and 139 for the upper number and between 80 and 89 for the lower number) or is at the border of stage 1 hypertension, the drop in pressure may be sufficient to not require medication. If there is still a need for medication, exercise may allow for lower levels of medication or a smaller number of drugs.

For those who currently have normal blood pressure, but will develop hypertension later in life, exercise will help keep the pressure at normal levels much longer and slow any increases.

To be effective at lowering blood pressure, the exercise must be regular. Though any form of working out is immediately beneficial for the body, the full effect takes several months. This is probably due to a training effect. There are very few things that we do where we do not continue to improve with repetition; be it exercise, sport or a hobby. With continued exercise the heart and muscles get stronger and this helps to lower blood pressure.

So, what types of exercise will help lower blood pressure? Until fairly recently, it was thought that only aerobic training was useful for lowering high blood pressure. Now combining aerobic with strength, or resistance, training is thought to give additional benefits.

It is important to note that pulse rate is NOT related directly to blood pressure. Many people will not exercise since when their pulse rate goes up, they think that their pressure is getting really high. An increase in pulse rate means that the heart is beating faster. If blood pressure does increase, it is usually only slight and temporary.

Aerobic exercise is anything that makes you breathe a bit more heavily and increase the pulse rate. It is moderate; it is not getting very out of breath, which becomes anaerobic exercise. Depending on fitness level it is brisk walking, moving the lawn, riding a bicycle or anything else that increases your effort. Whatever types of exercise are chosen, they have to be something that is enjoyable, so that you will stick with it.

Resistance, or strength, training is particularly useful for the upper body. Frequently, aerobic exercise only strengthens the lower body. Strong arms are good, too. It is important to remember not to hold your breath during the exertion phase when doing this type of exercise. Holding breath causes an increase in blood pressure.

Regular exercise, in addition to lowering high blood pressure, will have many other benefits. So get moving!

Judith Airey PhD. is a biomedical researcher with a range of interests including all things cardiovascular. She has several health-related websites including a blood pressure information site http://www.infobloodpressure.com/ and a blog http://www.lifeagingand.com/

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Experiencing the complication of high blood pressure can result in numerous health problems that can be potentially fatal. Hypertension that is too high, is often referred to as the “silent killer”. This is because of the fact that symptoms generally do not appear until an excessive amount of damage has been done to the body, if then. It is important to ensure that you have your pressure level checked regularly. If you find that you develop an issue with high rates, you should know and understand the methods of lowering blood pressure immediately. Here, you will learn of some of these methods.

In order to gain an understanding of the methods necessary to effectively lower the hypertension, it is important to understand the main causes of this medical condition. There are causes that can be controlled, and then there are causes that cannot be controlled. Age and a family history that includes high numbers in this medical condition are two factors that cannot be controlled. However, the following causes can be controlled:

• Experiencing unhealthy amounts of weight

• Drinking alcoholic beverages

• Smoking

• Lack of physical activity

• High levels of stress

• Inappropriate diet

If you want to take the steps that are necessary for lowering blood pressure immediately, you will be pleased to know that there are many prescription drugs available that can help. Listed below are some examples of these medications:

• Prescription Diuretics can assist the body in eliminating fluids and salts in the body, therefore reducing numbers. An example of this type of prescription is HCTZ.

• Felodipine is a prescription medication that that works to reduce the calcium in the heart, and aids in the overall contractions that the heart experiences.

• Valsartan is a prescription that works to reduce the toxicity of the chemicals that have a direct impact on the overall narrowing of the blood vessels when an individual experiences the hypertension.

If you are looking for methods on immediate control, you should talk to your doctor about prescription medications that can assist you in your endeavors. The above lists just a few of many different types of prescriptions that are successful in this type of goal.

Many who wish to lower their pressure level are worried about the ingredients and overall effectiveness when it comes to the chemicals that are mixed in prescription medications. Natural remedies are becoming quite popular as a result of this. Naturally, reducing alcohol and salt intake, eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of exercise are appropriate natural remedies. Some kind of natural herbs can also lower it ! Listed below are some examples:

• Garlic

• Coenzyme Q10

• Folic Acid

• Fish Oil

• Calcium

• Hawthorne

Conclusion

Lowering blood pressure immediately can seem like an impossible task to the individual that suffers from this complication. However, there are many things one can do to accomplish this task. Simple lifestyle changes, like getting plenty of exercise is one option. Talking with your doctor about prescriptions that assist in this issue and even taking natural supplements like garlic can help you in your goal!

Discover What Food to Eat for High Blood Pressure Management, Natural High Blood Pressure Remedies, and High Blood Pressure Signs and Symptoms at my dedicated Blood Pressure Cure Tips Blog.

Dr. Eswararamanan is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article must be complete and active.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Eswararamanan_VR

Experiencing the complication of high blood pressure can result in numerous health problems that can be potentially fatal. Hypertension that is too high, is often referred to as the “silent killer”. This is because of the fact that symptoms generally do not appear until an excessive amount of damage has been done to the body, if then. It is important to ensure that you have your pressure level checked regularly. If you find that you develop an issue with high rates, you should know and understand the methods of lowering blood pressure immediately. Here, you will learn of some of these methods.

In order to gain an understanding of the methods necessary to effectively lower the hypertension, it is important to understand the main causes of this medical condition. There are causes that can be controlled, and then there are causes that cannot be controlled. Age and a family history that includes high numbers in this medical condition are two factors that cannot be controlled. However, the following causes can be controlled:

• Experiencing unhealthy amounts of weight

• Drinking alcoholic beverages

• Smoking

• Lack of physical activity

• High levels of stress

• Inappropriate diet

If you want to take the steps that are necessary for lowering blood pressure immediately, you will be pleased to know that there are many prescription drugs available that can help. Listed below are some examples of these medications:

• Prescription Diuretics can assist the body in eliminating fluids and salts in the body, therefore reducing numbers. An example of this type of prescription is HCTZ.

• Felodipine is a prescription medication that that works to reduce the calcium in the heart, and aids in the overall contractions that the heart experiences.

• Valsartan is a prescription that works to reduce the toxicity of the chemicals that have a direct impact on the overall narrowing of the blood vessels when an individual experiences the hypertension.

If you are looking for methods on immediate control, you should talk to your doctor about prescription medications that can assist you in your endeavors. The above lists just a few of many different types of prescriptions that are successful in this type of goal.

Many who wish to lower their pressure level are worried about the ingredients and overall effectiveness when it comes to the chemicals that are mixed in prescription medications. Natural remedies are becoming quite popular as a result of this. Naturally, reducing alcohol and salt intake, eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of exercise are appropriate natural remedies. Some kind of natural herbs can also lower it ! Listed below are some examples:

• Garlic

• Coenzyme Q10

• Folic Acid

• Fish Oil

• Calcium

• Hawthorne

Conclusion

Lowering blood pressure immediately can seem like an impossible task to the individual that suffers from this complication. However, there are many things one can do to accomplish this task. Simple lifestyle changes, like getting plenty of exercise is one option. Talking with your doctor about prescriptions that assist in this issue and even taking natural supplements like garlic can help you in your goal!

Discover What Food to Eat for High Blood Pressure Management, Natural High Blood Pressure Remedies, and High Blood Pressure Signs and Symptoms at my dedicated Blood Pressure Cure Tips Blog.

Dr. Eswararamanan is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article must be complete and active.

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High blood pressure (hypertension) is indeed a silent killer. In a significaare no symptoms until you end up with a stroke, heart attack, eye disent number of cases there ase which may lead to blindness, or even chronic kidney disease leading to dialysis. Know the Critical Facts. Do you know what your blood pressure is or even what your creatinine is? High blood pressure can be present for years without any signs or symptoms.

What is Normal Blood pressure?

Normal blood pressure is considered less than 130/80. The top number is referred to as the systolic pressure (when the heart pumps) and the bottom number is referred to as the diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes). Regardless of which number is elevated, each carries the same risk for bad outcomes.

Who is at risk for High Blood Pressure?

There are several major risk factors: Being obese or over your ideal body weight; high stress lifestyle; eating a diet high in sodium or salt, a lifestyle which lacks exercise, chronic (ongoing) kidney disease, and a family history of high blood pressure.

Bad Effects of High Blood Pressure

1. Damage to the retina (back of the eyeball) which can lead to decreased vision or even blindness.

2. Stroke

Stroke may result from damage to blood vessels in the brain. These blood vessels can burst and cause death.

3. Kidney damage leading to chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease can lead to such a significant loss of kidney function (ESRD or End Stage Renal Disease) that one may need dialysis. High blood pressure is the number two reason why patients require dialysis in the United States. Diabetes is the number one cause. Early signs of kidney damage may be manifested as a small amount of protein in the urine or slight elevation of the blood level of creatinine. The creatinine level in the blood is a major way by which we measure the kidney function. The higher the level the worse the function. The kidney function (sometimes referred to as the GFR) can be calculated using an individual’s age, sex, race and weight. Another sign may be blood in the urine (hematuria).

4. Enlarged heart

If blood pressure remains uncontrolled, the heart has to pump against these high pressures and become enlarged. The heart can be become so enlarged that this ballooning process may become irreversible. Heart failure may result. There is a high death (mortality) rate amongst people with heart failure.

5. Aneurysms

An aneurysm is a ballooning or bulge in a blood vessel (an artery). An aneurysm can burst and can cause death or stroke. These aneurysms can be in the brain, abdomen, chest, and other parts of the body.

Symptoms

Although in a significant number of cases there are no symptoms, here are some which some persons might experience: headache, hearing or feeling your pulse in your head, feeling tired, nausea, dizziness, chest pain or even tightness, and poor exercise tolerance.

Free Radical Production

High blood pressure (just like diabetes and obesity) can cause increased production of free radicals. Free radicals are damaging particles produced in your body by or as a result of certain disease states. Taking antioxidants (neutralizers of free radicals) can place the body in a better position to fight disease states and strengthen the immune system.

Orville Campbell, MD is an internist and nephrologist. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His expertise include: health and wellness, hypertension, diabetes, vitamin D, and kidney diseases. He trained at Emory University.
http://www.ClaimWellness.com

http://TheKidneyCareGroup.com

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High blood pressure and stroke are related to each other. High blood pressure is known to be the most significant factor in a stroke attack. It actually increases the risk factor.

Blood pressure can be defined as a measurement of the force that’s exerted on the walls of artery via the pumping blood. In case, you suffer from high blood pressure, the blood is pumped harder as compared to what it should. This results in to unnecessary strain on the vessels of the circulatory system.

Hypertension is also known as the silent killer. It is so because most people do not realize that they have developed this condition. A person suffering from high blood pressure actually does not suffer from any symptoms. Hence, the only way to diagnose is regular medical check ups.

High blood pressure can be categorized in to three stages namely; mild, moderate or severe. This problem may also result in some serious life threatening disease such as heart attack, kidney disease and heart failure. If hypertension is left untreated, it can result in permanent eye damage.

Blood pressure can be measured in two different ways. The first method is known as systolic where the pressure inside the artery as pulse of blood arrives from the heart. The upper limit is normal and counted as 140. The second method is Diastolic where the resting pressure inside the artery between pulses is checked. The upper limit of normal is 90.

The normal blood pressure is around 120/80. The stage of hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when the blood pressure is (consistent) about 140/90. Studies have proved that a person with hypertension that is left untreated is four times more at risk to have a stroke as compared to one who has a healthy blood pressure.

There are several bad effects at high blood pressure.

The most dangerous is having a risk of stroke. There are numerous ways in which high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke in many ways.

a) High blood pressure enhances the effects of atherosclerosis. This is a condition where the arteries are narrowed due to the fatty plaques build up.

b) Blockage of blood flow to the brain, know as embolic stroke that’s caused by dislodge cholesterol plaque from the walls of the artery.

c) Weak artery walls usually lead to breakage of vessel as well as bleeding into the brain. The attack is known as hemorrhagic stroke.

d) Constant stress load leading to consistent stress load.

e) People with rare malformation of the blood vessels inside the brain usually suffer from a hemorrhagic stroke.

As your blood pressure gets too high, your chances of having a stroke increase. The stroke is characterized by loss of brain function as a result of lack of blood supply to the brain.

High blood pressure can cause a lot of damage to blood vessels. The damage can be in the following forms:

• Thickening of vessels

• Formation of clot

• Breakage of vessels

You should constantly keep a check on your blood pressure in order to reduce the risk of stroke attack.

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about STROKE please visit STROKE REPORT and STRESS TIPS and MEDITATION ADVICE

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There are many people who our following DASH diet recipes in hopes of lowering their blood pressure, but the diet doesn’t just lower blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends it for those who have cardiovascular problems or high blood pressure and are looking to eat a heart healthy diet. The good news is like most heart friendly diets it can also lead to weight loss.

The word DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and the diet has been proven to lower blood pressure in as little as 14 days. The diet provides guidelines on how many servings from each food group should be eaten daily. To increase heart healthy minerals like, calcium, magnesium and potassium more servings of vegetables are eaten daily. When most people eat less meat and more vegetables, while cutting out junk food they end up reducing their calorie intake. Of course reducing daily calorie intake can lead to weight loss. The diet also stresses reduced sodium and for this reason processed foods should be limited, whole grains and other high fiber foods are encouraged.

Ironically this diet is endorsed by the Mayo Clinic, not the fad 3 day grapefruit diet which often wrongly carries the name of the Mayo Clinic in it. Anyone Looking for DASH diet recipes should get the book, The Dash Diet Action Plan by Marla Heller. The book not only has recipes but a complete 28 day meal plan and gives guidance on how to adjust calorie intake for more weight loss. It also contains more helpful tips on lowering your blood pressure by making positive changes to ones lifestyle.

The DASH diet is a healthy common sense approach to nutrition. It is easy to follow and though it does restrict or limit certain foods, you won’t be left feeling hungry. The diet isn’t just for those who are looking to eat heart healthy diets. Some of the recommendations like eating less processed foods can and should be part of any diet plan.

To see more DASH diet recipes and other diet reviews visit http://dietproblem.com

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High blood pressure, the force with which blood is pumped through the body by the heart, affects an estimated 73 million American adults in the United States alone. While it can be a potentially deadly condition, it can be managed. While your doctor can prescribe medication for you to help lower your it, a change in lifestyle is also usually recommended. Your doctor may suggest that you stop smoking, begin exercise more and follow a particular diet. He or she may give you a list of food to eat for high blood pressure management.

Water

Water is hydrophilic. This means that water attracts water. When you drink a lot of water, the water that is being retained in your body is attracted to that water and it is flushed out of your body. You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day. This means water, not soda or coffee. If the flavor of water (or lack thereof) is unappealing to you, you can squeeze a little lemon or lime to give it a little kick. It should also be noted that soda can actually cause you to retain water. In many people, caffeine can cause water retention so it is best to stick with plain water.

Reduced Salt and Sodium

Salt and other foods that contain sodium tend to cause water retention. It is important that you reduce the amount of salt and sodium in your diet. You can do this by making food choices that consist of natural foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. When you cook, use fresh herbs and spices instead of salt. If you find that you still need a little salt, use just a little on your portion. Cut back as much as possible.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

When you are selecting food to eat for high blood pressure management, fresh fruits and vegetables are some of your best choices. Fresh fruits and vegetables can provide many of the nutrients that you need to be healthy. Moreover, eating a diet rich in these foods can actually help to lower your weight which will also help with the management.

Lean Meats

Many doctors recommend that patients to cut the fat from their diet. When you select lean meats, chicken and fish to include in your diet, you will likely find that you lose weight as well as lower your hypertension. The best method for cooking meat is to bake or broil. Frying has too much fat that that will completely defeat all of your healthy efforts.

If you watch your diet and take care of yourself, you can resuce the pressure level. You may even enjoy a little bonus by lowering your weight as well. It is important to take care of yourself because it can put you at risk for heart attack and stroke. Make a commitment to yourself to identify food to eat for high blood pressure management and take those crucial steps to take care of yourself.

Discover more about : High Blood Pressure Remedies, Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally, and How to Lower Your Blood Pressure at my dedicated Blood Pressure Cure Tips Blog.

Dr. Eswararamanan is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article must be complete and active.

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