High Blood Pressure: Causes And Home Treatment

After showing you how to lower blood sugar, the editorial staff of Deavita.fr takes stock of another equally important health subject which torments a large part of the population. We are talking about high blood pressure, which is not to be neglected at all. But what exactly causes hypertension and what are its symptoms? How to lower it without taking medication? We explain everything to you at a glance!

What exactly does high blood pressure represent?

High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when blood pressure reaches unhealthy levels. Indeed, it is a very frequent condition that develops over the years and according to Inserm data, one in three adults will be affected in France. As a rule, at the onset of the disease, those affected do not notice any symptoms. But even without symptoms, hypertension is quite capable of damaging blood vessels and organs, especially the brain, heart, eyes, and kidneys. Here's why, early detection is crucial.

Frequent visits to the doctor are recommended so that he can detect any changes in blood pressure. If this is high, the patient will be asked to check their blood pressure for a few weeks. In the event of anomalies, additional examinations and analyzes will be necessary in order to prescribe an appropriate treatment. For your information, there are two types of high blood pressure: primary and secondary.

Still called essential, primary hypertension comprises about 90% of cases and is due to several factors whose impact accumulates over the years. We are talking about causes related to age, heredity and lifestyle (obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse, etc.). Primary elevated blood pressure most often occurs gradually from the age of 50.

The secondary hypertension is caused by other health problems such as kidney problems, endocrine or congenital abnormality of the aorta. Frequent intake of certain drugs that promote water and salt retention can also cause high blood pressure. It can also result from the consumption of illegal substances.

High blood pressure symptoms

High blood pressure is a generally silent condition and a large number of people do not notice any symptoms. The onset of these can take years or even decades and occurs when hypertension reaches sufficiently severe levels. So, the symptoms of severe high blood pressure are as follows:

• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Nose bleeds
• Redness
• Dizziness
• Tired
• Chest pain
• Visual disturbances
• Muscle cramps
• Dyspnea

Be aware that the symptoms listed above require immediate medical attention. However, regular monitoring of your condition by a specialist is the best option in order to avoid serious situations.

Cause of hypertension

As mentioned above, there are two types of high blood pressure and each of them is caused by different causes. To explain in more detail, we suggest you discover a simple overview in the following paragraphs:

Causes of primary hypertension:

• Genes: Some people are genetically predisposed to high blood pressure. This can be caused by genetic mutations or by genetic abnormalities that are always inherited from your parents.
• Physical changes: If your body goes through any change, it is normal to start having problems throughout the body, such as high blood pressure. For example, it is believed that changes in kidney function due to aging can upset the natural balance of salts and fluids in the body, which could lead to an increase in blood pressure.
• Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and poor nutrition are the main culprits for many health problems including high blood pressure. Not to mention overweight and obesity which further increase the risk.

Causes of secondary hypertension:

• Kidney disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Congenital heart defects
• Thyroid problems
• Medication side effects
• Use of illicit drugs
• Alcohol abuse or frequent consumption
• Adrenal gland problems
• Certain endocrine tumors

Treatment of high blood pressure

There are many treatment options for hypertension, and it depends mostly on the type of high blood pressure you have. The treatment must be prescribed by a doctor and may be based on changes in diet, lifestyle and medication. Let's take a look at them in more detail!

If it is low blood pressure that does not require medication, the most common treatment includes changes in eating habits and general hygiene. These include reducing excessive salt intake, giving up alcohol, quitting smoking, exercising regularly and losing weight in case of overweight or obesity.

When it comes to sports, it is best to adopt reasonable and regular physical activities such as walking, cycling and swimming. It is crucial to avoid brutal exertion, worry and stress.

On the medication side, these aim to prevent complications that may arise in the long term. So in most cases, this type of treatment is permanent. If you need it, your doctor will determine the best option for you. However, there are some effective home remedies to lower high blood pressure naturally without taking medication. These means are only possible under mild conditions and it is recommended to discuss them well with your doctor before resorting to them.

How to lower blood pressure without taking medication?

The good news about high blood pressure is that a few simple changes in your lifestyle can significantly reduce it without taking medication. However, don't overlook the need to see your doctor! So, focus on some tips, tricks and techniques that have a positive effect on high blood pressure.

Play sports

As we have already suggested, physical activities are an integral part in the fight against high blood pressure. Try to train for 30-60 minutes a day and consider favoring sports like swimming. If you are a novice, consult your doctor first in order to adopt a healthy and balanced exercise routine.

Adopt the DASH diet

Consider adopting the DASH diet, which helps reduce blood pressure naturally and helps reduce desserts and sugary drinks. This type of diet favors fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish and nuts. However, it is important to eliminate foods high in saturated fat such as processed foods, fatty meats and high fat dairy products.

Speaking of diet, don't forget to cut back on salt each day. Eating too much sodium promotes fluid retention in the body, which results in increased blood pressure. So keep your sodium intake to a minimum by consuming only half a teaspoon of salt per day. Instead, focus on herbs and spices.

Give up smoking and limit alcohol consumption

Reducing or better yet giving up these two unhealthy habits works wonders for overall health. Smoking causes an immediate but temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate. What's more, the chemicals in tobacco can damage the walls of blood vessels while causing inflammation and narrowing the arteries.

On the other hand, alcohol increases blood pressure even if you are healthy. It is therefore important to consume it in moderation.

Choose healthy foods rich in protein

Completed in 2014, a long-term study found that consuming more protein lowers the risk of hypertension. However, this type of diet is not suitable for everyone. People with kidney disease, for example, need to be more careful. In case of doubts and questions, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. And here is a small list of high protein foods:

• Fish: canned salmon or tuna in water
• Eggs
• Poultry, such as chicken breast
• Beef
• Legumes
• Nuts
• Peanut Butter
• Chickpeas
• Cottage cheese)

Consume garlic

The health benefits of garlic are loved around the world. In addition to being considered a natural antibiotic, this plant with multiple virtues is a faithful ally against high blood pressure. And these beneficial effects are scientifically proven!

Reduce stress to fight high blood pressure

Identified as the evil of the century, stress currently affects a large number of people. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce stress. You just have to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle. Take a regular walk, read a good book, watch a good comedy or listen to music every day. For your information, the benefits of the sauna influence stress, which contributes to the drop in blood pressure. Meditation and yoga are two other very popular techniques for promoting mental well-being.