Blood pressure is the measurement of force pushing outward on your arterial walls. When the heart beats, it creates pressure that pushes blood through a network of tube shaped arteries and veins, also known as blood vessels and capillaries. The pressure-Blood Pressure- is the result of two forces. The first is the blood being pumped out of the heart and into the arteries, and the second force is created as the heart comes to a rest between heart beats. Over time if the force of the blood flow is too high, the tissue that makes up the walls of the arteries gets stretched beyond its healthy limits which creates problems in many ways, such as:
- Vascular Weakness- which is over stretching, creating weakness in blood vessels, making them more prone to ruptures.
- Increased Risk of blood clots
- Inflammation of the vessels
- Increased workload on the circulatory system.
You may not feel that anything is wrong, but high blood pressure can permanently damage your heart, brain, eyes, and kidneys before you feel anything. It can also lead to heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure.Even though high blood pressure is a serious matter,there is a clear pathway to help you manage it and enjoy the benefits of a healthy heart.
Eating a better diet which may include reducing salt is a good way to regulate blood pressure. There is a diet called the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which is a lifelong approach to healthy eating that will help treat and prevent high blood pressure. By following this diet you may be able to lower your blood pressure by a few points in just two weeks. A diet that includes natural sources of potassium is important in controlling blood pressure because it lessens the effects of sodium on the heart. But potassium is only one component of a well rounded plan for blood pressure health. Factors such as; amount and type of dietary fat, cholesterol, protein, and fiber, as well as minerals such as calcium and magnesium effect blood pressure also.
Along with a well rounded, healthy diet, physical activity plays a huge role. It not only helps control blood pressure, but it helps weight management, strengthens your heart, and manages stress levels. Reducing stress by finding ways to calm your thoughts through supplementation of melatonin, laughter, learning to say no, and not giving too much of yourself can all help to maintain a healthy heart, blood pressure, and lifestyle.
Once your treatment program that you've created for yourself becomes routine, maintaining a lower blood pressure becomes easier. Remind yourself that by managing your blood pressure, you are lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke.