In Western industrialized countries it is estimated that one third of the adult population has high blood pressure and of these one in three will not realise they have the disease because it is a silent killer.

A normal blood pressure reading will read around 120 systolic over 80 diastolic pressure readings. Pre-hypertension is between 120-139/80-89 and stage one and two hypertension range between 140-160/90-100 or higher. There are normally no symptoms of high blood pressure in its early stages, though symptoms can include nosebleeds, headaches and dizziness.

There is no identifiable cause of high blood pressure (unless it is secondary hypertension which is directly related to another illness) rather it is a combination of lifestyle factors which lead to the disease. Such thing as excess weight, lack of physical exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption and high salt diet, stress and of course age and family history play a part.

You can get your blood pressure lower naturally with lifestyle changes and natural remedies. Your doctor will probably recommend taking medication for high blood pressure, but make sure you explore all the natural remedies with them before taking drugs, but do not leave it untreated as this is like being on a highway towards stroke, heart attack and kidney failure ” even mild hypertension can cause organ damage.

Coenzyme Q10 is known to have positive effects on high blood pressure. Garlic has been used successfully for high nlood pressure as it is a natural blood thinner, including it in your diet will help though if you are taking garlic supplements just be sure and check with a doctor that there will be no reactions with other medications you may take.

Hawthorn is used by traditional herbal practitioners for high blood pressure. With no herb-drug reactions, hawthorn has been used very successfully in clinical studies.

High blood pressure can also be lowered with the help of Calcium, magnesium and potassium. Potassium can counter the effects of sodium in the kidneys and help to lower blood pressure that way. There are many other herbal and natural remedies out there, so try all your options before going on life-time medication.

Hypertension is also affected significantly by stress, so de-stressing your life is essential. The fight against hypertension can also be helped by using your mind ” techniques such as autogenic training and biofeedback have shown postivie impacts on high blood pressure. Both techniques involve learning how to control bodily functions that are normally automatic, such as breathing, heart rate, temperature and of course blood pressure. These techniques are positive life practices, though they do require a lot of effort.

Low impact aerobic exercise (a daily walk) is also another blood pressure remedy ” low impact exercise will even out your blood flow and lower your resting heart rate resulting in lower blood pressure. It is not recommended for hypertensive patients to partake in high intensity exercise and any new exercise regime should be run past your doctor for safetys sake.

Alternative medicines such as Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicines also have natural remedies for high blood pressure. Ayurveda will treat each person according to their constitutional type, so remedies will differ person to person . Depression and anger are some of the emotional issues associated with hypertension in Chinese medicine along with a lack of Qi or vital energy. Chinese medicine practitioners tend to use acupuncture in conjunction with herbs for treatment.

It is very important to remember that natural remedies are available and can work quickly to lower blood pressure. If you are suffering from high blood pressure, or think you might be at risk, finding ways in which you can manage your blood pressure naturally is essential.

by Steve Brodie