Hypertension » Hypertension

Hypertension – Symptoms, Complications of This Silent Killer

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:30 +0000

Have you ever felt your heart to be pumping so hard especially when you are at the height of extreme emotions like anger or happiness? Have you ever felt a sudden rush of blood when you are nervous or excited? Are these conditions related to hypertension?

What is Hypertension?

Commonly referred to as high blood pressure, hypertension is a medical condition characterized by the elevation of blood pressure. There are different kinds of hypertension but the most common is the arterial hypertension. This condition could also be classified into two – essential and secondary.

Essential hypertension refers to the condition when there is no specific medical cause that could explain the occurrence. On the other hand, secondary hypertension is caused by secondary conditions like kidney malfunctions or adrenal tumors. When not treated immediately, this condition could become persistent and could cause a lot of other ailments especially those that concern the heart. It has known to be the common risk strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and arterial aneurysm. It is also said to be the leading cause of chronic renal failure. As an effect of hypertension, a person who frequently suffers such is known to have lesser life expectancy.

Though medicine poses specific ranges of blood pressure that are considered to be at the level of hypertension, the condition is still relative to a person. Sometimes, hypertension is dependent on how a patient can sustain certain blood pressures. When the blood pressure rises 50 percent above what is known to be the normal to a person, it already calls for a treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension is only determined through a blood pressure measurement equipment and reads the systolic and diastolic of the blood. There is actually no identified sign of hypertension; rather, it varies from one person to another. Some people report to have experienced headaches, fatigue, dizziness, blurring of vision and facial flushing.

One of the misconceptions of hypertension is its association with stress, mental tension and anxiety. These conditions may affect the flow of the blood but those could not alone cause the imbalance condition of the blood flow. However, accelerated hypertension is closely associated with somnolence, confusion, visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting.

Being in a hypertension condition is not permanent; and it could not be severe enough to cause symptoms. Symptoms only surface when signs of end-organ damage are determined or are possible; otherwise, the condition is still considered accelerated hypertension. Malignant hypertension, on the other hand, is caused by increased intracranial pressure. These could be diagnosed through retinal examination.

Another misconception is that hypertension is known to be only experienced with people in old age. However, this condition could also occur in children and teenagers. Obesity in children is known to be a factor of developing the occurrence of such phenomenon. The detection and intervention in childhood hypertension could be determined though early evidence of the development of atherosclerosis. Aside from that, temperature could also affect the condition in children especially that they are in the height of an active lifestyle.

Complications of Hypertension

Hypertension , as mentioned earlier, could cause a lot of complications. Alone, it is not considered as illness since it is temporary. However, this condition increases the risk in developing other health conditions. Complications include cerebrovascular accidents or strokes, heart attack, heart failure, damage to the retina of the eye and renal failure.

For more helpful information read about Home Remedies at Herbal Remedies website. Also read about Breast Enlargement Products.

Originally posted 2009-11-01 06:22:32. Republished by Old Post Promoter

What Causes Hypertension, Symptoms of Hypertension and Treatment

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:30 +0000

Blood pressure can be defined as the pressure or force that is applied against the artery walls as blood is carried through the circulatory system. It is recorded as a measurement of this force in relation to the heart’s pumping activity, and is measured in millimeters of mercury. The top number, systolic pressure is the measurement of the pressure that occurs when the heart contracts of beats. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, is the measurement recorded between beats, while the heart is at rest.

Causes of Primary Hypertension

Lack of physical activity: Most of the causes for primary hypertension are caused by the lifestyle factor. The lack of physical activity could, first of all, increase cholesterol levels. Rising cholesterol levels narrows the blood vessel, thus increasing the pressure of blood flow – hypertension.

Adrenal tumors that are causes of secondary hypertension are pheochromocytoma, primary aldosteronism, and Cushing’s syndrome. The last two types of adrenal tumors require complicated treatment, which unfortunately is not always effective in lowering blood pressure while removal of the pheochromocytoma has a better chance of treating hypertension.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

Other symptoms such as fatigue, nervousness, palpitations, racing or irregular heartbeats, chest pain suggest hypertension caused by other conditions. Bleeding in the retina, also known as retinal hemorrhage, or from the nose (Epistaxis) may be indicative of high blood pressure. Cramping in the leg while walking, excess perspiration, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, shortness of breath and restlessness are other possible symptoms of hypertension. In rare cases, the high blood pressure may cause heart attacks, kidney failure or brain swelling, which can lead to drowsiness and coma. Disturbed levels of consciousness such as sleepiness and even seizures in severe cases of hypertension, may occur.

Treatment of Hypertension

Drugs used in the treatment of hypertension include thiazide diuretics, beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. The newer ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers were promoted as being better for the treatment of hypertension than the older thiazide diuretics and beta blockers, however this was mostly marketing hype since the newer drugs were on patent and made more money for the drug companies. However the studies showed that, at least compared to thiazide diuretics, the newer drugs weren’t as good, even they cost much more.

Thiazide diuretics. These medications act on your kidneys to help your body eliminate sodium and water, reducing blood volume. Thiazide diuretics are often the first — but not the only — choice in high blood pressure medications. Still, diuretics are often not prescribed. If you’re not taking a diuretic and your blood pressure remains high, talk to your doctor about adding one or replacing a drug you currently take with a diuretic.

Visit Premature Ejaculation Guide. Also visit Premature Ejaculation Cure and
Premature Ejaculation Causes

Originally posted 2009-11-08 06:38:09. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Causes and Treatment of Hypertension

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:26 +0000

Hypertension can be classified either essential (primary) or secondary. Essential hypertension indicates that no specific medical cause can be found to explain a patient’s condition. Secondary hypertension indicates that the high blood pressure is a result of (i.e., secondary to) another condition, such as kidney disease or tumours (pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma). Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic renal failure.

Cause and Pathogenesis

The cause of primary (essential) hypertension is not known. It is thought to be due to multiple risk factors. Known risk factors include a familial history of the disease, race, obesity, tobacco smoking, stress, and a high-fat or high-sodium diet in genetically susceptible individuals. Extremely nervous and highly emotional people also tend to develop hypertension more readily. Secondary hypertension is related to an underlying disease process such as renal parenchymal disorders , renal artery disease, endocrine and metabolic disorders, central nervous system disorders, and narrowing of the aorta (coarctation).

Causes Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension results from constriction, or tightening, of the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs. Consequently, it becomes difficult for blood to pass through the lungs, making it harder for the heart to pump blood forward. This stress on the heart leads to enlargement of the heart and eventually fluid can build up in the liver and tissues, such as the in the legs. Affected patients can sometimes notice increasing shortness of breath and dizziness.

What are the symptoms of Hypertension?

If you have hypertension, chances are that you may not have any symptoms at all. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because most people who have it do not feel sick, but if left uncontrolled, it can lead to a heart attack or kidney disease. This is why it is so important to treat hypertension even if you feel fine. Many people can keep their hypertension under control by making some changes in their daily activities, such as increasing exercise and eating a healthier diet. Other people may need to take medicine in addition to diet and/or exercise.

Hypertension Treatment

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is dangerous because it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, or kidney disease. The goal of hypertension treatment is to lower high blood pressure and protect important organs, like the brain, heart, and kidneys from damage. Treatment for hypertension has been associated with reductions in stroke (reduced an average of 35%-40%), heart attack (20%-25%), and heart failure (more than 50%), according to research.

Treating high blood pressure can help prevent serious ? even life-threatening ? complications. Your doctor also may suggest steps to control conditions that can contribute to high blood pressure, such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

The treatment for secondary pulmonary hypertension usually begins with treating the underlying cause. For instance, if a blood clot, or pulmonary embolism, is causing the hypertension, the clot may need to be surgically removed.

For individuals with hypertension, lifestyle modifications as mentioned above are important but many times, medications will also be needed to adequately manage blood pressure. Many types of drugs are used to lower blood pressure.

Read About Womens Health Magazine Also Read about Womens Health

Magazine Directory and Womens Health Magazine, Health Benefits

Originally posted 2009-11-03 07:37:14. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Causes of Hypertension

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:25 +0000

Originally posted 2009-11-04 07:12:52. Republished by Old Post Promoter

No related posts.

Stop Hypertension Naturally

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:25 +0000

Hypertension, high blood pressure (as it is commonly known), is at epidemic proportions in America. Second only to heart disease, almost 23,000 deaths were attributed to “hypertension” in 2004, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The NCHS also placed the percentage of deaths for non-institutionalized people, due to “hypertension”, at 29% for the years 2001-2004. What cause of hypertension or symptom of high blood pressure has left Americans to miss the boat on this “Silent Killer.” Why are so many dying in America from hypertension when fewer, percentage-wise, are stricken in countries like France, Spain, and Italy?

The answer to that question is a double-edge sword, so to speak. The cause of high blood pressure and the cure for high blood pressure intertwine when we discuss a high blood pressure diet and herbs for high blood pressure. Over the years, a consensus has agreed that there must be something in the diet of the Europeans that is woefully lacking in the American diet. And indeed there is, the main cause of hypertension in America is diet and stress.

Once diagnosed with hypertension, a high blood pressure diet is usually prescribed to supplement the medication a doctor puts you on. This high blood pressure diet will consist of foods high in lycopene, a very effective antioxidant. Tomatoes (and tomato sauce and paste) contain the highest concentration of this cure for high blood pressure. Unfortunately, you would need to consume four tomatoes a day to positively impact hypertension. The great news is, a study conducted in Israel proved that taking a tomato extract supplement significantly reduced blood pressure levels after just four weeks. A 200 mg tomato supplement will provide the equivalent of over four tomatoes.

Another natural cure for high blood pressure that most likely explains the reduction of hypertension in Europeans compared to Americans is in the health significance of grape juice and red wine. Grapes are known to contain antioxidants and other phytonutrients (nutrients derived from plants). They have a small amount of fiber that is good for the heart and digestive system. Both grape juice and red wine are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. Also the moderate intake of red wine offers some protection against heart disease, which is an accompaniment to hypertension.

Some herbs for high blood pressure are Allium Sativa, more commonly known as “Garlic,” and the Hawthorn Berry. Several scientific studies have shown that garlic helps lower blood pressure, and serum cholesterol levels. In fact Europeans have used garlic as a hypertension herbal remedy for centuries. While the hawthorn berry is known for its ability to enhance metabolism and increase oxygen into the bloodstream. This allows for protection of the arterial walls and dilation of the heart’s blood vessels, thus improving the pumping of the heart cells. This helps reduce blood pressure as expanded blood vessels allow the blood to move more freely throughout the body.

I have only scratched the surface of the cause of high blood pressure to be increased in Americans over the Europeans. As I have shown in this limited space, it is primarily linked to the differences in our diets. Healing hypertension can be accomplished. You can learn more about the cause of high blood pressure and high blood pressure treatment at GreatNewsHealth.

Resource Box

Hypertension, high blood pressure, can be avoided and corrected. All you have to do is take your health into your own hands, you will not regret it. To learn how to control hypertension and about a natural cure for high blood pressure that is guaranteed to work, visit
http://GreatNewsHealth.com today.

I suffered a severe heart attack in Sept, 2006 which left me disabled and unemployable. In an effort to still be a productive individual, I have begun a campaign to educate people, in the hope they can avoid the calamity that has befallen me. Consequently, I started
http://GreatNewsHealth.com/”>http://?GreatNewsHealth.com/?”>http://GreatNewsHealth.com/ with a desire to supplement my income while educating people at the same time.
I was born into a dairy farm family and through that experience I acquired a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed. I believe my efforts on the internet will give fulfillment to both; visitors to my website, www.GreatNewsHealth.com, and myself.

Originally posted 2009-11-05 07:17:42. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Hypertension – A Silent Killer

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:20 +0000

Hypertension in its simplest sense means ?high blood pressure’. Medical science calls this condition, ?arterial hypertension’, but hidden beneath the apparent simplicity of the term is the face of a silent killer. This silent killer can invariably trigger a heart attack, stroke, arterial aneurysm, eye damage, or a complete renal failure out of the blue, and no one will have any hint or clue that something was boiling inside for a worst outcome. Hence it is important that hypertension be diagnosed and treated at the earliest, before things get out of hand.

The important question is how to find out if a person is suffering from arterial hypertension. The biggest roadblock in diagnosing hypertension is the virtual absence of any solid symptom as it may normally be called a characteristic of high blood pressure. In other words, a person, even if suffering from hypertension, may not show any apparent symptoms. Every thing will look normal and the person may be as cheerful and healthy as a child. It is only when something happens that one might take note of the developments. In some cases unfortunately, things might have gone to the anvil by then.

Of course that does not mean that all types of hypertension are without any symptoms. Severe cases of hypertension may be accompanied with headache, sleeplessness, dizziness, and in a worse case, coma. In such instances, diagnosis will be a lot easier and quick, but again timely treatment is very crucial.

On the basis of the causes leading to hypertension, this medical condition can be classified into primary hypertension – or essential hypertension – and secondary hypertension. The causes for primary hypertension are mostly unknown. And to make matters even more complex, it is such cases that are reported the most. On the other hand, secondary hypertension will have some definite underlying causes, which in most cases may be a medical issue such as alcohol abuse, endocrine tumors, hormonal problems or kidney disorders. Again, if the exact causes are known, hypertension can be treated and contained easily, but it will be more of a gamble in the other cases.

Treatments for Hypertension

The treatments for hypertension mostly include a mix of medication and a disciplined lifestyle. Here it must be noted that none of this will work if taken independently. Someone with hypertension needs to follow the prescriptions punctually meanwhile adopting a health lifestyle marked by a controlled diet and regular workout/physical exercise.

Finally, one must also realize that an existing issue of hypertension could be aggravated by activities like smoking, drinking, and medicines containing steroids. Therefore, take care to avoid such things as well from one’s daily activities.

After all, remember the age old adage that health is wealth!

Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite Shop – Offering White Noise and Relaxation CDs – Visit Hapa Health for more articles.

Originally posted 2009-11-07 06:34:22. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Natural Remedy of Hypertension Cure

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:18 +0000

Hypertension is one of the most common worldwide disease afflicting humans. It is diagnosed when blood pressure readings are higher even after the visit at two doctors. This doesn’t have any symptoms. But it is a serious condition and is a primary cause of stroke or diseases related to heart, kidney and eyes. This has become one of the important public health challenges due to the morbidity and mortality. This has been existing for many decades. Though there have been several extensive research, widespread patient education and many efforts have been led to decrease this hypertension, yet it remained untreated.

The hypertension leads to the modifiable risk factor that leads to the coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, end stage renal disease, and peripheral vascular disease that lead to causes for death. In most cases, hypertension is easily detected and usually controllable with lifestyle modifications?such as diet and exercise?and medication. Therefore, health care professionals must not only identify and treat patients with hypertension but also promote a healthy lifestyle and preventive strategies to decrease the prevalence of hypertension in the general population.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often referred to as a “silent killer” because there are usually no signs or symptoms. It occurs when the pressure of the blood flowing through your arteries is too high. This increased pressure puts extra stress on vital organs such as the heart, the kidneys, and the blood vessels. This can lead to more serious consequences if it is not treated. It is similar to what happens when water is run through pipes at too high a pressure. Something eventually gives.

The information provided is like supplement information just a medical advice. Your doctor with whom you get the treatment is your main source of information about your condition and how to manage your suffer.

The normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called “pre-hypertension”, and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high blood pressure. This blood pressure increases the risk of suffering from some of the heart disease, kidney disease, hardening of the arteries, eye damage and brain damage. When this occurs it leads to the result of the long duration of the high blood pressure.

To normalize the blood pressure it is important that there should the regular diagnosis of it and thereby it can be prevented with the complications. This is a major public health problem in the world as it found one among the four adults. This affects the elderly citizens who are more than 50 years of age and if they are affected then represents the greater risk if they are not treated at the early stage.

If you want to have no need to worry then you should have the check of your blood pressure and pulse reading regularly. Have to frequently visit the physician for the check or if you feel like any of the symptoms like the low number of BP, the higher number of BP or if there is irregular pulse rate.

Take the following steps to try to prevent hypertension:

Originally posted 2009-11-06 06:22:51. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Hypertension Symptoms and Natural Hypertension Treatments

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:17 +0000

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is caused by the pressure due to excessive pumping of the heart..It is one of the leading causes of death in the world today. In addition to being a deadly condition, hypertension can also cause damage to vital organs like the liver, brains, kidneys and the heart. Unfortunately, people suffering from hypertension may not even be aware of that condition till it becomes too serious a problem. Blood pressure measure always has two readings, one taken when the heart is beating and the other when the heart is at rest. The normal values for these two readings are 140 and 90 respectively.

Causes of Hypertension: There are two types of hypertension. One occurs due to the increase in the pressure of the heart while beating., mostly due to old age. This type of hypertension called essential hypertension or primary hypertension. This condition can be controlled with the proper precautions, and many people with essential hypertension may live for eighty years or more. The other called Malignant hypertension occurs due to the disorders of any of the vital organs, such as the brain, the liver and the kidneys. Hormonal imbalances can also cause hypertension in some cases. These are very fatal and need to remedied urgently. Malignant Hypertension is also called Secondary Hypertension

Hypertension Symptoms: Some of the common symptoms of hypertension are: ? Giddiness, Dizziness and a Feeling of Instability. ? Palpitations. ? Insomnia (inability to sleep well). ? Digestive problems and Constipation.

Treatment of Hypertension:

Hypertension, like any other physical disorder needs to be treated by a physician. Yet, hypertension, not being a disease but only a condition can be controlled through diet, exercise and adjustment of lifestyle. There are several claims about “cures” for hypertension through use of herbal medicines and other remedies. I do not like to go into the merits of these claims.

But there is a simple method which does not involve use of any drugs or remedies. This technique called Slow Breathing can bring down your blood pressure quickly and almost effortlessly. This method has medical recognition – FDA approved, easy to use and practicable by all. This method has been used and endorsed by such institutions of repute as the Harvard Medical School, The Mayo Clinic, Rush-Presbyterian Hospital and the American Heart Association. Studies published in the Journal of Human Hypertension and numerous other respected medical journals reveal that:

Breathing slowly and deeply (less than 10 breaths per minute) for 10 to 15 minutes a day while extending exhalation results in significant reductions in blood pressure. That’s because gentle, slow breathing acts like a natural safety valve to relax muscle tension, especially in the chest area, allowing constricted blood vessels to open and relieve pressure on the heart.

It literally takes a load off your chest!

I hope you found the information given in the article useful. You can have a Free Audio Demo at: http://www.usfreeads.com/1715920-cls.html

Parthasarathy Rengaswami is an internet researcher focusing on online products and opportunities. His mission is to help the internet users to zero in on what they want by providing them with relevant and useful information. More information on this topic can be found at: http://www.usfreeads.com/1715920-cls.html Don’t miss to check out the Free Audio Demo!

Originally posted 2009-10-28 06:22:00. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Hypertension – causes, prevention and treatment

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:01 +0000

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a persistent blood pressure above 90 mm Hg between the heart beats (diastolic) or over 140 mm Hg at the beats (systolic). The blood pressure varies naturally in response to stress and physical work load. Therefore the blood pressure shall be measured in a relaxed situation and several times before this diagnosis is certain.

Hypertension does not in itself give dramatic symptoms, but it is dangerous because it causes a highly increased risk for heart infarction, stroke and renal failure.

THE PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION

One out of six persons is hypertensive. Most persons suffering from hypertension is over the age of 35. Still 6% of teenagers are hypertensive and also 1% of every child.

THE SYMPTOMS AND CONSEQUENCES OF HYPERTENSION

Hypertension is often without symptoms. By mild hypertension, flushing and headache can occur.
More serious hypertension gives symptoms like: Fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and nosebleeds.

Extreme hypertension gives morning headache, blurred vision, dyspnoea (breathing difficulties) and elevated values of certain components in the blood, like urea and serum creatinine.

Hypertension will in the long run hurt the blood vessels, and serious hypertension can do extensive damage to the blood vessels in a few months or years.

The damaged blood vessels will impair the blood flow. They can also rupture causing a bleeding or be clogged by a blood clot that shuts out the blood flow and causes tissue damage. These things can occur in the brain, causing a stroke, in the heart causing heart infarction or in the kidneys with renal failure as a consequence.

A renal failure will in the next turn cause the hypertension to aggarvate, partly because a damaged kidney will not manage to secrete water and salt well enough, and partly because a kidney that do not get enough blood will start a hormonal mechanism that induces the kidney to actively hold back salt and water.

THE MECHANISMS AND CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION

The direct mechanisms causing hypertension is one or more of these factors:
- An increased tension in the blood vessel walls.
- An increased blood volume caused by elevated levels of salt and lipids in the blood holding back water.
- Hardened and inelastic blood vessels caused by arteriosclerosis.

The primary causes behind these mechanisms are not fully understood, but these factors contribute to causing hypertension:
- A high consume of salt
- A high fat consume.
- Stress at work and in the daily life.
- Smoking.
- Over-weight
- Lack of exercise.
- Kidney failure.

LIFESTYLE MEASURES TO PREVENT AND TREAT HYPERTENSION

Lifestyle measures shall always be a component of the hypertension treatment. Sometimes such measures are enough to cure the condition. Those measures are:
- Reducing salt consume.
- Reduction of the consume of fat, and especially saturated fat.
- Weight reduction.
- Relaxing and stress reduction techiques, for example meditation and autogenic training.
- Regular exercise.

SPECIAL FOOD TYPES THAT REDUCE THE BLOOD PRESSURE

Research projects suggest that the following food types reduce blood pressure.

Fish oil and fat fish. The working substances seem to be the omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The effect from fish oil seems to cease when the fish oil supplements are stopped.
-Olive oil, especially olive oil of the quality extra virgin.

NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS TO HELP AGAINST HYPERTENSION

Natural supplements to treat hypertension exist. These supplements reduce blood pressure by lowering the cholesterol and lipid content in the blood, by preventing oxidation of tissue components by free radicals, and by helping damaged blood vessels to heal. Examples of ingredients having these effects are vitamin B3, inositol, turmenic extract and gum guggul extract.

They may also contain Ingredients giving a direct anti-hypertensive effect, like potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C and fatty acids from marine sources.

MEDICAL TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION

When lifestyle measures and supplements are not enough to cure the condition, medical treatment must be applied.

Diuretics, or medicines to increase the urine production, are used to decrease the water content in the blood vessels, and thereby reduce the pressure in the vessels. When the water content is lowered, the heart does not need to pump so hard any more, and this will also reduce the pressure.

Beta-adrenergic blockers are another group of medicines to treat hypertension. This group of medicines block the signals that hormones and neurotransmitters give to the vessel walls, and the vessel walls then relax. They also slow down the heart rate to give a lower pressure exerted by the heart upon the blood.

Knut Holt is an internet consultant and marketer focusing on health items.

TO FIND natural products to prevent and help cure common diseases, please visit his web-site. Examples: Hypothyroidism, over-weight, acne, hemorrhoids, allergies, depression, digestive problems, heart trouble, rheumatism, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, fatigue, colds, flu, menstrual problems, sexual problems, skin aging, and more:—-

http://www.abicana.com

—-Free to reprint with the author’s name and link.

Originally posted 2009-11-02 06:33:46. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Using Qigong Breathing Exercises to Relieve Hypertension, an Enlarged Prostate and Arrhythmias

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:59:58 +0000

High blood pressure is frequently difficult to treat in a short time by acupuncture or herbs. Patients become discouraged and turn to western medicine. Some forms of Qigong can help lower blood pressure. However, most of these forms must be taught to the patient and are not simple to learn.

Most of these Qigong methods have a common factor. The rate of respiration is slowed down. This may be the chief parameter which accounts for their lowering of blood pressure.

Recent research shows that 3 or 4 15-minute sessions of slow breathing (less than or equal to 10 breaths per minute) can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, usually within 8 weeks (1) ? (19). In one clinical trial, some diabetics were not able to sufficiently lower their respiration rate. However, with a longer training period a lower rate of respiration might be achieved.

The breathing exercise should be performed using normal, Buddhist or diaphragmatic breathing, like opera singers. The Daoists thought that normal breathing was one of the secrets of longevity. If you look at a baby in its crib you will only notice its stomach move up and down as it breathes. By contrast, when most seniors breathe their upper chest heaves up and down and there is no visible movement of their abdomen, a consequence of shallow breathing. A Chinese doctor looks at the abdomen of a critically ill patient. If it moves up and down as the patient breathes, the patient has a better chance of surviving than a patient with no visible abdominal movement on breathing. Thus, you may have to instruct patients so that normal or diaphragmatic breathing is done automatically.

Normal or diaphragmatic breathing can be practiced lying down or sitting in a chair. The practice methods are similar. The method of practice while sitting in a chair will be described. Inhale and exhale gently, smoothly and continuously through your nose. Sit comfortably, with your knees bent and your shoulders, head and neck relaxed. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib cage. This will allow you to feel your diaphragm move as you breathe. As you inhale, the hand on your chest must move as little as possible, while the hand on your abdomen must move outwards. When you exhale, the hand on your abdomen moves inward, which you can help by slightly and gently pulling your abdominal muscle inward. Once again, the hand on your chest moves as little as possible. At first, you?ll probably get tired while doing this exercise because an increased effort will be needed to use the diaphragm correctly. Keep at it, because with continued practice, diaphragmatic breathing will become easy and automatic. Practice this exercise 5-10 minutes a few times a day.

Slow breathing has the physiological effect of relaxing the muscles surrounding the small blood vessels, which allows the blood to flow more easily. Alpha blockers block receptors in arteries and smooth muscle. This action relaxes the blood vessels and leads to an increase in blood flow and a lower pressure for the control of hypertension. The action in the urinary tract enhances urinary flow for an enlarged prostate. Slow breathing seems to have the same effect as alpha blockers. Thus, it may also reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. This conjecture has not been subjected to clinical trials, but has worked on

Originally posted 2009-10-31 18:49:56. Republished by Old Post Promoter