High BP Treatment

High blood pressure most often does not exhibit symptoms and is therefore called the 'silent killer'. Medications are prescribed for high blood pressure or hypertension in medical terminology, based on the readings taken over a period of time. While some might need minimal doses, others would need intensive medical therapy.

Diuretics are used to reduce blood volume by eliminating sodium and water.

Beta Blockers reduce nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels and cause the heart to work slower. These medications can interact with other medicines.

ACE inhibitors allow the blood vessels to relax by blocking the formation of Angiotensin II, that narrows blood vessels. A possible side effect is dry cough. These medicines can interact with other medications.

Calcium Channel blockers slow down the heart rate. They prevent calcium from entering the heart blood vessels.

Renin inhibitors reduce rate of renin production; which kicks a chain reaction that results in higher blood pressure.

Vasodilators, nervous system inhibitors and Alpha blockers are also used in high BP treatment or hypertension management.

Lifestyle changes to treat High Blood Pressure

1. Reduce salt intake.

2. Lead an active healthy life. Keep weight under control.

3. Eat a low-fat healthy diet. Eating foods rich in potassium and omega-3 fats are beneficial for overall heart health.

4. Quit smoking.

5. Cut down alcohol consumption.

6. Practice effective stress management. Stress can cause your blood pressure to temporarily rise and over time worsen into hypertension and lead to heart disease.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is a medical term for abnormally high blood pressure. When the blood pressure readings consistently show elevated readings over a period of time, hypertension is the resultant condition. Normal blood pressures hovers around the range of 120/80 mmHg. Pre-hypertension is a Situation when your blood pressure hovers around 130 for systolic pressure and between 80 and 89 for diastolic pressure. Factors that can affect blood pressure are many - salt content of the body, volume of water in the body and the condition of the kidneys, nervous system and blood vessels.

It is essential not to ignore signs of hypertension - high blood pressure, since it increases the strain on the heart and lead to stroke or heart attack. Secondary hypertension is noticed among 5% of the people. The causes can be linked to kidney disease or adrenal gland disease or even narrowing of the aorta. It is sometimes seen due to use of steroids, contraceptive pills. Hypertension induced by pregnancy or pre-eclampsia is another cause for secondary hypertension among women.

Hypertension is known to run in families and chances of your developing hypertension are high if your close relatives suffer from it. Other causes of hypertension are obesity and excess stress. Those who consume large quantities of alcohol or salt are also at higher risk of getting hypertension.

Symptoms of hypertension

• Crushing chest pain
  
• Heart failure
  
• Tiredness and confusions
  
• Nose bleed
  
• Irregular heartbeat
  

Tackling hypertension

If you are obese, it is necessary to lose weight and make dietary changes. Decrease levels of fat and sodium. A modest restriction of salt may decrease blood pressure. Instead increase the proportion of fiber, fruits and vegetables. Limit your alcohol intake to one or two glasses a day. Introduce exercise into your daily routine to treat hypertension. Regular, moderate aerobic exercise can modestly decrease blood pressure and has many other beneficial effects. Gradual weight loss through modified calorie intake and increased physical activity is a good approach to tackle high blood pressure.

Theanine

Theanine is an amino acid that is found in green tea. Theanine is used generally to treat anxiety, prevent Alzheimer's disease and high blood pressure. Many a times, it is prescribed in combination with cancer drugs so as to make the cancer drugs more effective. The chemical name for theanine is r-glutamylethylamide. Theanine is believed to reduce stress and anxiety without inducing a tranquilizing effect.

The chemical structure of theanine is similar to glutamate which is a naturally occurring amino acid in the body that helps to transmit nerve impulses in the brain. A few effects of theanine appear to be similar to that of glutamate. Scientific evidence points out that theanine stimulates the production of alpha waves in the brain. This induces a feeling of relaxation in the user. Theanine also aides the body in producing other calming amino acids, such as dopamine, GABA, and tryptophan and they in turn help the body to relax.

How does theanine work ?

Theanine passes the blood-brain barrier to enter the brain. As it enters the brain, it increases serotonin and/or dopamine concentrations considerably in the areas of striatum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. Also known as the 'feel good chemicals', serotonin and dopamine make a person feel good when its concentration increases.

Theanine is supposed to have the following benefits:

• Reduces the effects of PMS in women.
  
• Relieves anxiety.
  
• Used to treat high blood pressure.
  
• Improves the treatment effect of cancer drugs.
  
• Prevents dementia and conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
  
• Heightens mental acuity.
  
• Supports the immune system.
  
• Improves or promotes concentration.
  
• Improves learning performance
  
• Promotes weight loss.