St Johns Wort, which is derived from the yellow flowering hedgerow plant, contains a natural compound (hypericin) that has been used for centuries to soothe and calm a person’s nerves. It is considered particularly good for reducing anxiety levels as well as balancing the nervous system and helps people who suffer from excitability.

Also it seems that the positive effects of hypericin on the nervous system may well be beneficial in helping to treat other symptoms that are caused by the menopause.

Continue reading to discover how you can sign up to the Free relieving high blood pressure newsletter, full of natural methods to relieve hypertension.

The actual compound hypericin was separated from St Johns Wort in 1942 and has been used from that time onwards as a anti-depressant for the treatment of people who are having emotional problems.

However, St Johns Wort may cause a person’s blood pressure to rise as the compound found within it is similar to other kinds of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors which cause powerful reactions to occur within the body with the amino acid known as Tyramine.

This interaction with Tyramine can be a problem if a person has high blood pressure, and so it is recommended that if a doctor agrees to St Johns Wort being taken then foods that are high in Tyramine should be avoided. These include:

1. All smoked, dried, aged, pickled and processed fish and meats
2. Chicken Liver
3. Cheeses that have been aged
4. Soy Sauce
5. Extracts of both yeast and protein
6. All forms of legumes

In Germany where the majority of the studies into the effects of St John’s Wort have taken place, they have found little risk of elevated blood pressure from a normal dose St Johns Wort. However, checks should be made with the doctor prior to taking the supplement, as there are potentially other interactions that can occur.

It is recommended that if a person does take St John’s Wort then they have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis to see if there is an impact, and also those foods that are rich in Tyramine are avoided.

Usually, by following these simple steps a person should be able to prevent hypertension caused by St Johns Wort from occurring.

Originally posted 2009-10-30 07:59:48. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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There are two types of hypertension – primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is closely related to the patient’s lifestyle while secondary hypertension is caused by other medical conditions – kidney and liver failure are known to be causes of secondary hypertension.

Symptoms or Signs of Hypertension

These symptoms are not mandatory in condition of hypertension, but if you suspect or find it unsettling, do take a blood pressure test at your local medical center.

1. Chest pains – A heavy crushing pain in the chest; in laymen’s term it feels like someone is standing on your chest.
2. Nosebleed
3. Urinal bleed – blood in urine.
4. Tiredness and regularly experience confusion
5. Changes or blurring of vision

Causes of Primary Hypertension and Prevention

Lack of physical activity: Most of the causes for primary hypertension are caused by the lifestyle factor. The lack of physical activity could, first of all, increase cholesterol levels. Rising cholesterol levels narrows the blood vessel, thus increasing the pressure of blood flow – hypertension. Prevention can then be done maintaining a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity (jogging or walking) could reduce cholesterol induced hypertension. Taking precautions against diabetes could also help because diabetes are normally related to hypertension.

Tobacco products: It is uncertain whether it is the tobacco, or nicotine in tobacco products that are the exact cause of hypertension. But the facts are smokers are at higher risk of suffering from hypertension. This may be explained by the fact that nicotine increases blood pressure temporarily but there are arguments that nicotine patches do not increase blood pressure. No matter the case, anyone can prevent hypertension by staying away from tobacco products especially cigarettes and users – smokers.

Alcohol: The factual statistics shows that between 30% – 60% of alcoholics suffer from hypertension. Although there are no medically or scientifically proven tests that results in the conclusion that alcohol is a cause of hypertension, do use your common sense by judging the statistics and stay away from alcohols because it increases your risk of suffering hypertension.

Sodium: Excessive intake of salt or salty foods could lead to hypertension as sodium tends to increase the blood pressure. Notice that the term ‘tends to’ is applied. This is because only those who are sensitive or responsive to sodium would have their blood pressure react to excessive sodium intake. However, to play it safe, it is advisable to cut down on food intakes that contain high levels of salt such as salty snacks, pickled foods, processed foods, etc.

Stress: Blood pressure levels increase as stress increases. The only prevention for stress induced hypertension is to calm down and do not response to hectic circumstances. Take things less seriously or light, you health is far more important and therefore whatever that causes stress is just not worth your time or attention.

Originally posted 2009-11-07 09:42:49. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Several factors influence hypertension, however it must be fully understood that these factors change from person to person. Some people inherit high blood pressure genetically whereas others develop it from an unhealthy diet and weight gain. These hypertension causes are important to understand how they apply to each patient concerned about their blood pressure. Here are 6 main causes of hypertension found amongst most sufferers of the disease.

· Obesity. Chronic weight gain increases the chance of developing high blood pressure by 500%. A massive 2/3 of the cases of hypertension can be attributed to obesity. It is a serious health issue that is plaguing the developed countries of the world.

· Sodium Sensitivity. Sodium can increase the amount your cells release water inside your blood. This will increase blood pressure as your blood gets “thicker” or “heavier” in a sense.

· Genetics. In 30% of cases the patient has inherited the disease through their genes. This does NOT mean that the patient is untreatable, they can still practice long term lifestyle changes to combat the disease even if there are of normal health and weight.

· Drugs. Specific medications such as different forms of hormone enhancers and some anti-inflammatory drugs can play a large contribution to high blood pressure. It is up to the patient to seek medical advice concerning their drug therapy but some studies are debatable and results limited. However what I always advise people; is to stay away from using drugs if possible. Because you don’t 100% know the side affects that the specific drug will have on your body, thus to play it safe always try to seek out a more natural alternative.

So these hypertension causes are to be taken into account when planning your blood pressure management. Each cause is preventable and if you feel like you have tried everything don’t give up. There are numerous alternatives to just medicinal drugs, the easiest alternative is to be as healthy as you can be, being the right weight and eating healthy plus exercise is the first step to healthy blood pressure levels.

For more information check out the link bellow.

Stay Healthy and Good Luck

Charles Gerdson

Originally posted 2009-10-28 07:53:44. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Originally posted 2009-11-01 08:36:02. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Weight plays a major role in developing high blood pressure. Overweight people are more likely to develop high blood pressure but do not be discouraged. Losing as little as ten pounds can help your blood pressure significantly.

Once you lose a measly ten pounds just imagine how much easier it will be to lose even more. A great way to keep losing and maintain a healthy weight is by a healthy diet. Your diet factors in to developing high blood pressure as well.

High amounts of salt and sodium intake can cause hypertension. Try to limit your meals on salt and opt for other seasonings instead. There is a wide variety of seasonings available so you are sure to find something you really like.

Also try to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Eating more of these will help your blood pressure not to mention you will feel healthier as well.

Do you use tobacco or drink large amounts of alcohol? If so, this could be why you have developed high blood pressure. Both of these can raise your blood pressure so if possible try to quit or at least cut back on your use and consumption. This will significantly help lower or maintain a normal level of blood pressure.

African Americans are more prone to develop hypertension. It starts at an early age and can be more severe. African Americans also have a higher death rate from kidney disease and stroke than white Americans. Even so, you can still treat high blood pressure effectively.

Do you exercise regularly? If not you might be at risk for developing hypertension than those that do regular exercise. Luckily you can easily fix this by doing physical activity for at least thirty minutes a day. You might say, “I don’t have thirty minutes a day to set aside.” While you may not have thirty minutes all at once to set aside, you could probably find it easier to set aside ten minutes at a time.

If you find yourself stressed very easily over anything and everything you could easily develop high blood pressure. Yes, stress is a factor of high blood pressure. Stress is very common for many people but easily treatable. Is there something you enjoy doing that relaxes you?

Consider picking up a hobby that you find relaxing and lets you de-stress. Do this whenever you feel stressed to the max and do it often. Keeping your stress level low will help keep your blood pressure low as well.

Last but not least, certain medications can cause you to develop hypertension pressure. Are you on medications? You might consider talking with your doctor about their side effects and if they cause high blood pressure. Every time you start a new medication you want to ask your doctor about this.

It is never too late to take better care of your health so consider starting today. Keeping control of your blood pressure will help lower your risk of a stroke or heart and kidney disease. Talk with your doctor about any concerns or ask any questions you might have.

Originally posted 2009-11-05 07:52:51. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Risk factors may be related to the environment, genetics and family history, smoking, diet, hormones, how much sodium (salt) you have in your diet or even the level of stress in your life.

Hypertension also increases your risk of having a stroke or heart attack, and can lead to other diseases as well as make other health conditions even worse. It is important to your health and your future to learn about the risk factors and by controlling and altering what you have control over you can change you decrease your risks.

? Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as tobacco smoke, vapors around the office, etc.

? Obesity – being over weight is a factor in hypertension, especially as one ages. Proper diet and weight loss may aid in reversing the associated problems.

? Lack of exercise – Daily ‘aerobic’ exercise (walking, swimming, running, cycling, etc.) can be very beneficial in decreasing blood pressure, as well as helping with your weight .

? Stress – we could all benefit from a little less of this. Exercise also helps with reducing your stress.

? Lower Alcohol Consumption – Drinking excessively doubles your chances of suffering high blood pressure or a stroke.

? Medicines and prescriptions (Ritalin, hormones, steroids, anti-rejection medications), your doctor and pharmacist should be intimately aware of what you are taking. Illegal drugs can also cause you problems (amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy).

? Diet – a diet high in sodium puts strain on the blood vessels by increasing the fluid volume in the body (salt attracts water)

These risks can be helped or even controlled with the help of a doctor

? Pregnancy – the extra volume of blood, plus toxemia from high dietary salt intake can put a great strain on the vascular system.

? Kidney failure – the body is unable to remove fluids from the body causing an increase in fluid volume and blood pressure.

? Right-sided Heart Failure – decreases the hearts ability to pump high volumes of fluid through the heart causing a back-up into the blood vessels

Risk Factors over which you have no control

? Family history of hypertension especially onset before the age of 50.

? Age -your increases your chances of getting hypertension

? Gender (male or female)

? Race (Afro-American)

? Nervous System disorders

Secondary Hypertension

While the single cause of Primary hypertension is not known, the cause(s) of Secondary hypertension is and it is usually caused by another condition or disease. Conditions such as arteriosclerosis, diabetes, kidney disease, or even from medications and pregnancy (Gestational hypertension and is one of the reasons your doctor wants to see you more frequently near the end).

Hypertension can be caused either by taking medications or by stopping medications too quickly. Medications such as corticosteroids, birth control pills and other hormones, migraine medications, and medications used for chronic anemia (erythropoieten). Also a number of over-the-counter medications such as cough/cold medications and medications for asthma can cause hypertension.

Medications for hypertension can also cause a rebound hypertension if they are not weaned off of slowly.

Street drugs that can cause hypertension include: alcohol, amphetamines, ecstasy (MDMA and derivatives), and cocaine.

A small number of people experience malignant hypertension. This is an extremely high blood pressure that causes swelling of the optic nerve (the nerve that control vision). This is considered a medical emergency. Many of your vital organs are in serious risk of injury including your brain, your eyes, blood vessels, heart, and kidneys.

Originally posted 2009-11-03 08:40:50. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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