Doctors diagnose hypertension in patients who regularly have continuous increases in blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg. In many countries, 130/80 is the upper level of what is considered a healthy blood pressure level.

Reasons for high blood pressure

High blood pressure can be caused by various disorders (kidney disease, hormonal failure) that are a sign of secondary arterial hypertension. However, in most cases, high blood pressure is a symptom of primary hypertension, which means that the real reason for frequent and prolonged hypertension cannot be clearly identified.

It is not recommended to purchase pills on your own in an attempt to lower your blood pressure. This can lead to severe consequences — for example, kidney failure and impaired blood supply to the brain. Prescription drug treatment should be prescribed by a physician.

If you have high blood pressure and feel unwell but cannot get medical aid, there are six proven methods for short-term relief. These methods can be used in combination, which will help to maximize their effects.

1. Take steady deep breaths

Research shows that correct deep breathing decreases stress, which is one of the primary triggers of hypertension. It is simple to do: begin to inhale to the count of five. Do belly breathing, not chest breathing. Then exhale, again to the count of five. Breathe like this for 3 to 5 minutes. The blood supply to all your bodily tissues will increase, and your blood pressure will drop. Another method is to hold your breath after each exhale for 8 to 10 seconds. Pick the method which works best for you.

2. Put your hands or feet in hot water

Pour moderately hot water (about 113 °F) and soak your hands or arms in it for 10 minutes. The hot water will make your blood vessels expand, and your blood pressure will decrease slightly.

3. Hold your hands in cold water

Pour cold (but not ice cold) water in a tub and put your hands in. This will decrease the heartbeat, which in turn will lower your blood pressure.

4. Drink tea with mint

Put a pinch of peppermint into your teacup, pour over boiling water, cover with a lid and wait for 10 minutes. When your peppermint tea cools down, drink it in small sips. Mint is proven to have a calming effect on blood pressure.

5. Make a compress out of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains substances that can lower blood pressure. Soak a piece of fabric or bandage in apple vinegar and place it on your feet for 10 to 15 minutes.

6. Take some valerian

Valerian is a strong sedative that helps your body to relieve stress. Valerian will cause your heartbeat to slow down and blood pressure will drop. Remember not to exceed the recommended dosage.

High blood pressure is serious and can be long-term

If you want to address the causes of hypertension and not just the symptoms, more serious efforts are required. First, adjust your diet. Cutting down on salt and quick carbs (sugar and sweets) will help. It is best to avoid unhealthy foods altogether. Also avoid smoking, alcohol, and stress, which all cause hypertension. And make sure to get daily physical exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga.

The danger of hypertension lies in delayed symptoms. When we have high blood pressure, the symptoms of headache, feeling pressure in the temples, and persistent noise in the ears typically begin to bother us long after the pressure passes over the critical threshold. This can lead to irreversible damage to blood vessels, which is why it is important to have a home blood pressure monitor and periodically measure your blood pressure even when you are feeling well.

23 March 2021