mike legg asked:


One of the things that can be very frustrating when it comes to doing a home blood pressure test is the way that it can vary greatly, not only from day to day but from hour to hour. Blood pressure in a way can be compared to breathing- it can vary a great deal depending on just what you are doing at that particular time, and that is why it is so important to keep an accurate blood pressure log.

Lower or higher blood pressure readings can also occur due to the position of your body, your hormone level, and your overall health at the time. However you can still efficiently monitor your blood pressure with a home blood pressure test, if you remember that a slight variance in the results is possible.

`White coat` is a term often used when speaking about high blood pressure and its variances. To understand this form of high blood pressure, you must first understand your own body. White coat syndrome specifically occurs to blood pressure levels that spike only when you visit a doctor’s office or have your blood pressure measured by a medical professional.

Although this is a real phenomenon, white coat blood pressure may not simply be a case of nerves. Instead you could be inaccurately measuring your blood pressure when doing a home blood pressure test. Even if white coat syndrome actually is occurring, it is still important to look at the overall trends in your blood pressure and to keep an accurate blood pressure log.

Spikes in blood pressure due to this condition may be nothing to worry about, but if they are exceedingly high you should be concerned. This condition can be fatal for someone who already has high blood pressure. Before you dismiss doctor’s office spikes, understand your own body and how it works. You may need treatment even if your blood pressure has previously seemed normal.

Blood pressure may also change for a number of other reasons as well. Firstly a home blood pressure test may not be as accurate as some of the tests used in a hospital or at your doctors. Inaccuracies occur frequently, and the packaging should be able to tell you just how accurate the tests are. Even if they are not 100% perfect a home blood pressure test is still important, as is keeping a blood pressure log, just as long as you remember that small changes from day to day are ok.

Try to monitor your blood pressure at the same times every day, if possible when you are doing the same type of activity, and keep a good blood pressure log. A good time is in the morning before you begin your day, but do not forget that many types of medication can affect your blood pressure reading so try to take it before you take any prescription pills or drugs.

Exercise greatly affects blood pressure so don’t forget that if you have been doing anything that gets you puffing or breathing heavily then your blood pressure reading will be different then if you have been sitting still or resting. Remember that 30 or even 40 mm Hg differences during a day are not uncommon. Any more than this and you should think about a trip to your doctor for a more accurate test.

Blood pressure can be very difficult to regulate but by doing a home blood pressure test on a regular basis and keeping an accurate blood pressure log, then this will help you in understanding the overall health of your body.



Cindy

Tom alter asked:


High blood pressure or hypertension is the condition when the blood flow in the arteries and veins is forced under a higher pressure than normal. This can happen due to the weakness of the heart or due to the buildup of cholesterol in the coronary arteries, which can reduce their lumen. Today, most people in the world are suffering from hypertension, though it is not always fatal. Proper medication and a positive lifestyle can make people with higher blood pressures lead a long and happy life. However, neglect can cause severe fatal problems like myocardial infarctions (heart attacks).

High blood pressure is known as Rakta Gata vata in Ayurveda. It can be caused due to vitiation of any of the three doshas, though the contribution of the vata dosha may be more, as it is responsible for the circulation of blood. The following are the main precipitating factors for people with different doshas:-

1. Vata type of Hypertension – This is caused by extreme emotions such as worry, anxiety and stress.

2. Pitta type of Hypertension – This is caused by negative emotions such as hatred, jealousy and feeling for revenge.

3. Kapha type of Hypertension – This is caused by problems with the digestive system.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of High Blood Pressure

1. Alfalfa (Medicago satina)

Alfalfa contains several elements which are needed in the softening of the hard arteries. This reduces the tension in the arteries and hence helps to treat hypertension.

2. Bloodwort (Achillea millefolium)

Bloodwort is a sweat-inducing herb. It makes the blood flow towards the skin for expelling the sweat. Due to this free movement of the blood, the high blood pressure is reduced. Bloodword contains an alkaloid which is effective in reducing high blood pressure.

3. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is an antispasmodic agent. Hence it reduces the pressure in the arteries caused due to the pumping action of the heart during blood circulation. Garlic creates a rhythm in the pumping of the heart, which eases the pulse. Other high blood pressure problems such as dizziness, shortness of breath and indigestion are also taken care of by garlic. Garlic is widely considered to be the best remedy for high blood pressure.

4. Jaundice Berry (Berberis vulgaris)

Jaundice berry is another very effective remedy in the treatment of high blood pressure. It eases the tension in the arteries by making them dilate. Thus the blood flow in them is facilitated.

5. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Parsley is like a monitor of the blood vessels. It regulates the flow of blood in them and maintains easy circulation. It looks after the entire arterial system. Hence it is a very beneficial herb for people with high blood pressure.

6. Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina)

The effects of rauwolfia on the arteries and veins of the human system have been investigated in detail, and immensely positive results have been obtained. Rauwolfia has a treasure-trove of alkaloids for easing the arteries, synchronizing the blood flow in them, reducing palpitation and even removing the cholesterol buildup in the arteries. Hence, practitioners of all forms of medicine acknowledge the effects of rauwolfia. In Ayurveda especially, the root of the rauwolfia is prescribed for hypertension patients. The Ayurvedic name for rauwolfia is sarpagandha.

(2) Dietary Treatments for High Blood Pressure

A strict dietary regimen is important to seek early treatment from high blood pressure. The following points must be obeyed:-

1. Salt should be reduced or totally eliminated from the diet. Hot and spicy foods should also be avoided.

2. Instead of hydrogenated fats, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats must be used. These include oils of sesame, olive, flaxseed, mustard and groundnut. Ghee and butter made from cow’s milk are beneficial. Buffalo milk should be avoided.

3. Indigestion should be taken care of by consuming a good amount of leafy vegetables containing fiber.

4. Bitter gourd and drumsticks are advantageous vegetables for people suffering from high blood pressure. Colocasia must be avoided, but yellow pumpkin helps in reducing blood pressure.

5. Among fruits, bananas, oranges, guavas and apples are good. All kinds of dry fruits and nuts are good.

6. Sweets and chocolates must be avoided.

7. Red meats must be avoided. But white meats, especially fish are beneficial in lowering blood pressure.

(3) Ayurvedic Concepts for High Blood Pressure

Sarpagandha is the drug of choice in high blood pressure. Not only is this drug used in Ayurvedic medicine, but it is also used in allopathic medicine in the treatment of high blood pressure. In addition, the following herbal preparations are prescribed depending on the doshic cause of high blood pressure:-

a. For Vataja High Blood Pressure, jatamansi and brahmi are prescribed.

b. For Pittaja High Blood Pressure, sarsarapilla and sandalwood are prescribed.

c. For Kaphaja High Blood Pressure, calamus, arjuna, shilajit, guggulu and berberis are prescribed.

(4) Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

a. Have a spoonful of lemon juice mixed with honey every morning.

b. Oranges are very helpful in high blood pressure. Have a juice of two or three oranges every day.

c. Prepare a powdered mixture of cumin seeds, fennel seeds and sugar. Take one spoonful of this mixture in water every morning and evening.



Rhonda