What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. Blood pressure denotes the resistance produced each time the heart beats and sends blood coursing through the arteries. The peak reading of the pressure exerted by this contraction is known as the systolic pressure. The commonest cause of high blood pressure is a build up of fatty residue inside the arteries, forcing blood through the narrow gap. This fat, sometimes called cholesterol, can also break free and travel in the blood stream until it comes to a place where it will wedge itself and block the circulation. Hypertension, which occurs when the blood pressure in your arteries is too high, can lead to blood vessel diseases such as strokes, heart attacks, and leg pain caused during walking. As it does not cause any symptoms until the damage is already done, it is important to occasionally have your blood pressure checked.
How to lower Blood Pressure?
A diuretic causes some of the salts in your body to be flushed out in your urine. Less salt means your body has less capacity to absorb and retain water. Although three types of diuretics are available, the first choice is usually a thiazide diuretic. Thiazide diuretics typically have fewer side effects than other types of diuretics. The thiazide diuretic increases the amount of urine you make, therefore decreasing excess water and salt in your body. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
