Heart Disease is just TOO Common.Heart DiseaseAnd high blood pressure go hand in hand. According to the American Heart Association, 1 in 3 Americans have hypertension (high blood pressure) and 1/3 of these persons don't even know it. It is indeed the silent killer.
CausesHeart disease has many causes. Every time your heart beats it creates pressure against the artery walls. The highest pressure (SYSTOLIC) occurs during the heart beat. While the lowest pressure (DIASTOLIC) occurs during the pause between beats. Your blood pressure is lowest when you sleep. Normal blood pressure is said to be 120/80. If your systolic pressure rises to 140 or higher or your diastolic pressure rises to 90 or higher, it is considered high blood pressure.Hypertension is considered a major risk factor for stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. When it exists with obesity, smoking, diabetes or high cholesterol the risk of heart disease or stroke increases by several times. High blood pressure is most common in persons over age 35, and is most prevalent in middle-aged and elderly folk, obese people, heavy drinkers and women taking birth control pills. " But it is not part of the aging process." It is environmentally and habitually acquired. Proper diet, exercise and life-style changes aid in preventing and reversing high blood pressure and it's effects. TreatmentMedication prescribed for hypertension include diuretics(anti-water pills): Beta Blockers - cause the heart to beat more slowly with less force; ACE Inhibitors-prevent formation of angiotensin 11 which causes blood vessels to narrow; Calcium Channel Blockers - prevent calcium from entering muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels resulting in a relaxation of the vessels. There is not much global agreement among experts as to first-line therapy. While medical treatment is necessary, you must also take immediate personal action to change life-style and diet. You can also include supplements and anti-oxidants that can naturally clean the blood and provide nutrition to tissue. SupplementsSupplements containing the tripeptides, Isoleucine -Proline-Proline (IPP) and Valine-Proline-Proline(VPP), have the most supportive evidence of lowering blood pressure as demonstrated in placebo-double-blind studies, and without adverse side-effects. DietThe top potassium rich foods are: papaya, prune juice, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, banana, raisins, mango, orange and pear.Potassium, which is destroyed in cooked foods, is needed for cell electrolyte balance. The most popular of potassium foods is the banana, which is peeled up-side down. Taken within a supplement, potassium has shown the ability to lower blood pressure. Pomegranate juice is very effective in lowering blood pressure and reducing the progression of atherosclerosis.And last, but not least, reduce salt intake. Remember it is all about making healthy choices for a good purpose, the fight against heart disease! Antioxidants
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