Hypertension or High Blood Pressure, is a health condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It’s often dubbed the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms, yet its impact can be severe. Let’s unpack the what, why, and how of hypertension and the gentle touch of homoeopathy in managing this common health concern.

 

Grades of hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often categorised into different grades based on the severity of the condition. Normal:

• Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP): Less than 120 mm Hg
• Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP): Less than 80 mm Hg
• In this range, blood pressure is considered optimal, indicating a low risk of cardiovascular problems.
• Elevated:
  • SBP: 120-129 mm Hg
  • DBP: Less than 80 mm Hg
• This category suggests an increased risk of developing hypertension in the future. Lifestyle modifications are often recommended at this stage to prevent progression.
• Stage 1 Hypertension:
  • SBP: 130-139 mm Hg
  • DBP: 80-89 mm Hg
• At this point, hypertension is diagnosed, and healthcare providers may recommend lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication based on individual risk factors.
• Stage 2 Hypertension:
  • SBP: 140 mm Hg or higher
  • DBP: 90 mm Hg or higher
• This stage indicates a higher risk of cardiovascular events. Lifestyle modifications and medication are typically prescribed to manage blood pressure effectively.
• Hypertensive Crisis:
  • SBP: 180 mm Hg or higher
  • DBP: 120 mm Hg or higher
• A hypertensive crisis requires immediate medical attention. Emergency care may be necessary to bring blood pressure under control and prevent organ damage.

 

Types of Hypertension

Primary Hypertension:
Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is the most common type, accounting for the majority of cases. The primary distinguishing feature of this form of high blood pressure is that it develops gradually over time, often without a clear and identifiable cause. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, primary hypertension is believed to result from a complex interplay of genetic factors and lifestyle choices. 

Secondary Hypertension:
Unlike primary hypertension, secondary hypertension is characterized by a specific and identifiable underlying cause. This type of high blood pressure tends to develop suddenly and is often more severe. Secondary hypertension can result from various medical conditions that directly impact blood pressure regulation. Common causes include kidney disease, hormonal disorders such as adrenal gland tumors or hyperthyroidism, congenital heart defects, and certain medications. Identifying and treating the underlying cause are crucial for effectively managing blood pressure in individuals with secondary hypertension. 

Risk factors for high blood pressure

Genetics: If your family has a history of high blood pressure, you might be more prone to it.
Lifestyle Choices: Eating too much salt, not moving enough – these everyday habits can contribute to raised blood pressure.

Stress and Mental Health: The pressure of modern life can literally impact your blood pressure.

Ageing and Hormones: As we age, our blood vessels can lose flexibility, and hormonal imbalances can play a role. 

Being Overweight: Carrying excess weight increases the workload on the heart, contributing to elevated blood pressure.

Excess Alcohol Intake and Tobacco Use: Both alcohol and tobacco can constrict blood vessels, raising blood pressure, and increasing the risk of hypertension.

Unhealthy Diet:  A diet low in potassium, high in salt, and rich in saturated fats can contribute to hypertension by affecting blood vessel function and cholesterol levels.

Certain medications: antidepressants, anti inflammatory drugs, birth control pills etc also result in hypertension

Recognizing the Signs & Warning Signals:

In patients with hypertension, there are usually minimal to no symptoms. It is usually detected during routine checkups. If one does not experience any symptoms or is unaware of his condition, it continues to damage the vital organs of the body slowly. Hence, the name ‘silent killer’.

Some indicative symptoms are:

Throbbing Headaches and Dizziness: Persistent headaches and dizziness can be subtle red flags.

Blurred Vision: Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to blurred vision as a result of retinopathy.

Palpitation: Palpitations, or a rapid and irregular heartbeat, can occur with hypertension as the heart works harder to pump blood against increased resistance in the arteries.

Lungs Gasping for Air: Feeling breathless or struggling to catch your breath is a sign.

Chest Tightness and Vision Woes: Discomfort in the chest and vision problems shouldn’t be ignored.

Lingering Fatigue: If you find yourself constantly tired, it might be your body signaling trouble.

 

Winter’s Chilling Effect on Your Blood Pressure & Cold Weather

Concerns:
Cold weather can make your blood vessels tighten, elevating your blood pressure. Also, the cold weather often discourages outdoor exercise, which can contribute to weight gain and increased blood pressure. Winter blues can intensify stress levels, thus impacting blood pressure. Hence, one must be mindful of the impact of weather.

Complications

Heart Disease: Damage to the heart’s blood vessels, potentially leading to conditions like coronary artery disease.

Heart Attack: Sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle.

Heart Failure: Weakening of the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, often a consequence of untreated hypertension.

Stroke: Disruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to potential long-term disability or death.

Kidney Disease: Damage to the kidneys’ blood vessels, increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease or failure.

Vision Impairment: Damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, potentially causing vision problems or blindness.

Aneurysm: Weakening and bulging of blood vessels, which can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.

Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

 

How to manage high blood pressure

Stress management: Practice stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help lower high blood pressure and promote overall cardiovascular health. Regular exercise also plays a key role in stress reduction.

Diet as a Friend: Incorporate potassium-rich foods, garlic, and dark chocolate for heart health. Limiting salt intake helps regulate blood pressure; opt for natural, organic foods and use herbs for flavor. Choose nutrient-rich, organic foods, and cut down on processed and junk foods to support overall cardiovascular health. 

Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and improve blood circulation, lowering the risk of high blood pressure. Shedding excess weight through a balanced diet and exercise can significantly contribute to reducing hypertension.

Avoid Alcohol and Nicotine: Moderate alcohol consumption and quitting smoking are crucial for managing blood pressure; these lifestyle changes promote a heart-healthy lifestyle.

 

Homoeopathic treatment for high blood pressure

Homoeopathic remedies for high blood pressure work by naturally modifying the body’ functioning.they are prescribed on the basis of the patient’s signs and symptoms, physical makeup and mental and emotional history. Homeopathic treatment not only works effectively in lowering blood pressure and stabilizing it but also has a positive impact on overall health. Quick relief can be observed in cases that are recently diagnosed. In chronic cases of hypertension that have been on other medications for a significant number of years, it is initially advised to continue their allopathic medicine along with the homoeopathic treatment. Gradually the other medicines are tapered and then the patient is shifted entirely to homoeopathy. For best results, appropriate lifestyle changes must be adopted along with homoeopathic treatment

Since homoeopathic medicines are derived from natural sources, they are safe to use in people of all ages  and are suitable for long-term use without dependency.

Aconite: sudden rise in blood pressure with great anxiety and fear. Palpitation with fainting, anxiety and tingling in fingers. Pulse is full, hard, pounding and sometimes intermits. Patient experiences a lot of physical and mental restlessness and fright.

Natrum mur: natrum mur is an excellent remedy for hypertension in patients with high craving for salt. It is a great heart remedy. It treats blinding headache with throbbing sensation, beating as with little hammers. Heart’s pulsations shake the body and intermit on lying down.

Crataegeus Q: it is a great heart tonic. Hypertension in patients having chronic heart disease, with great weakness. The patient needing this remedy suffers from extreme dyspnea on slight exertion, without much increase in pulse.  It is indicated in cases of arteriosclerosis, myocarditis, cardiac dyspnea, heart valve incompetence, cardiac dropsy, angina pectoris etc.

Rauwolfia Q: this remedy is indicated in high blood pressure without atheromatous changes in vessels. Palpitations, prickling and irregular heart beat. It is indicated in angina pectoris, rhythmic anomalies, aortitis, aortic aneurysm etc.

Baryta mur: it is especially indicated in hypertension of the elderly with characteristic high systolic blood pressure with relatively low diastolic pressure. It works well in patients who are dwarfish, both physically and mentally. Arterioscleoris and cerebral affections. The patient feels tightness with pain in the chest immediately after eating. There is increased tension of pulse.

Please note the above mentioned are a few commonly used medicines in the treatment of hypertension. Homoeopathic treatment, being holistic, takes into consideration the onset, symptoms, causes, patient’s physical and mental makeup, accompanying symptoms and modalities. 

At Honey Homoeo Clinic, we have a rich experience of more than 30 years in treating and managing innumerable cases of high blood pressure. Understanding hypertension is the first step towards a healthier you. Embracing lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in managing and conquering this common health challenge.

For treatment of Hypertension, contact us at HONEY HOMOEO CLINIC.