Controlling High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Definition of blood pressure: The pressure of the blood exerted against the walls of the arteries, as it flows through them is called the blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured as systolic and diastolic. Normal blood pressure is 120/80, where 120 is the systolic pressure and 80 is the diastolic pressure.
If your blood pressure is over 140/90, it means that you suffer from high blood pressure. Very high blood pressure or hypertension can have damaging and even fatal consequences, by causing heart attacks, strokes, vascular disease, kidney damage, and damage to the eyes. However, high blood pressure has very few symptoms, and that is why it is called the "silent killer".
Blood pressure is measured by wrapping a special blood pressure cuff around the upper arm, inflating it, and listening to the flow of blood by means of a stethoscope.
Causes: High blood pressure can be hereditary, or it is usually caused by too much stress and bad lifestyle habits such as lack of physical exercise and excessive eating, and eating the wrong kinds of foods.
Lower your blood pressure: If you find that your blood pressure is high, it is best that you take steps to lower the blood pressure as soon as possible. You must try to lower high blood pressure fast, or it may become a life-long problem. While your doctor may prescribe medication, you must also try to lower high pressure naturally.
Lowering high blood pressure during pregnancy is absolutely essential. Not only can high blood pressure prove harmful for the pregnant mother, it can adversely affect the unborn baby, and make her/him more prone to high blood pressure once s/he reaches adulthood.
Since high blood pressure is usually a lifestyle disease, it is best to make some lifestyle changes. The first step would be to start a regular exercise program, whether at home or in a gym. Yoga is especially effective in reducing high blood pressure. You can also try swimming or walking. This will also relieve lower back pain caused by high blood pressure.
Another important step to lower high blood pressure would be to follow a proper diet. The right foods can help lower blood pressure. Cut out smoking and alcohol, as well as fatty foods, and foods which are over-processed and over-refined. Include healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, skimmed milk, tofu, soy and lean meats. Drink plenty of water.
A lifestyle change would have added benefits. It will also help to lower high cholesterol, if you have been suffering from that as well. Some people have found that it also helps to lower diabetes.
Read more articles from the Diet for diseases Category.
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