WHAT IS HYPERTENSION?

High blood pressure,or hypertension, occurs when blood pressure increases to unhealthy levels. Blood pressure measurement takes into account how much blood is passing through your blood vessels and the amount of resistance the blood meets while the heart is pumping.

BMI	Weight status
Normal blood pressure	120/80
Elevated blood pressure	120/80-129/80
High blood pressure	130/80 and above

SYMPTOMS

Headaches
Shortness of breath
Nosebleeds
Flushing
Dizziness
Chest Pain
Visual changes
Blood in the urine

WHAT CAUSES HYPERTENSION?

Genes
Physical changes
Environmental changes
Kidney diseases
Diabetes

HOW TO CONTROL HYPERTENSION?

~Increasing Physical Activity

Reaching a healthy weight should include being more physically active. In addition to helping you shed pounds, exercise can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure naturally, and strengthen your cardiovascular system.

~Reaching a Healthy Weight

If you are overweight or obese, losing weight through a healthy diet and increased physical activity can help lower your blood pressure.

~Managing Stress

Exercise is a great way to manage stress.Other activities like meditation, deep breathing, massage, muscle relaxation also help.

~Adopting a Cleaner Lifestyle

If you’re a smoker, try to quit. The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the body’s tissues and harden the blood vessel walls. Consumption of alcohol can raise blood pressure.

FOOD THAT REGULATES HYPERTENSION

Leafy greens are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber.Potassium helps your kidneys get rid of more sodium through your urine. This in turn lowers your blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and mental decline.

Pomegranates are a healthy fruit that you can enjoy raw or as a juice. Drinking a cup of pomegranate juice once a day for four weeks helps lower blood pressure and improves memory function over the short term.

Skim milk is healthy for those looking for a safe, natural and rich source of protein.Skim milk is an excellent source of calcium and is low in fat. These are both important elements of a diet for lowering blood pressure.

Berries may improve your blood sugar and insulin levels.Berries, especially blueberries, are rich in natural compounds called flavonoids. Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are easy to add to your healthy dessert.

Oatmeal can soak up the excess oil on your skin and help treat acne. It fits the bill for a high-fiber, low-fat, and low-sodium way to lower your blood pressure. Eating oatmeal for breakfast is a great way to fuel up for the day.

Eating foods that are rich in potassium is better than taking supplements. Slice a banana into your cereal or oatmeal for a potassium-rich addition. You can also take one to go along with a boiled egg for a quick breakfast or snack.