Hypertension is the term used to describe a disorder characterized by chronically high blood pressure (HBP). It means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure is the force applied against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. The pressure is determined by the force and amount of blood pumped and the size and flexibility of the arteries.

Blood pressure must be monitored, treated and controlled by medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both. Routine lab tests are recommended before beginning treatment of high blood pressure to determine organ or tissue damage or other risk factors. These lab tests include urinalysis, blood cell count, blood chemistry (potassium, sodium, creatinine, fasting glucose, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol), and an ECG (electrocardiogram). Additional tests may be recommended based on the condition.

People with severe high blood pressure may sometimes experience symptoms like dizziness, flushed face, nervousness, headache, fatigue and weakness, restlessness, difficulty breathing, nose bleed, insomnia, intestinal complaints, emotional instability, chest pain, confusion, ear noise or buzzing, irregular heartbeat or even vision changes.

Hypertension can be a temporary or lifelong disease, depending on the cause. At any rate it is very important to keep it under control. People who manage their high blood pressure with a treatment program lower their risk of having serious complications as they get older. Some of the possible complications are blood vessel damage (arteriosclerosis), brain damage, congestive heart failure, kidney damage, kidney failure, stroke, heart attack or vision loss.

Untreated high blood pressure can damage many organs in the body and increases the risk for stroke, brain hemorrhage, heart attack, and kidney failure at an early age. For mild cases doctors usually recommend natural treatments for a period of time to see if this normalizes blood pressure. Though high blood pressure occurs mostly for adults it can occur at any age. So it is very important to have it checked regularly (especially adults over the age of 18). However, it is always important to seek advice of a medical practitioner.

Although medication may be necessary to control high blood pressure, in many less severe cases it can be managed with lifestyle improvements (such as weight loss and dietary changes). Eating a healthy diet (including whole grains, low-fat dairy products, garlic, food containing potassium and calcium, fish, fruits and vegetables), decreasing fat and sodium (salt), avoiding sugar, dairy products, refined foods, fried foods, junk foods, and caffeine, avoiding cigarettes, getting plenty of exercise are natural treatments for hypertension. Also managing stress by relaxation and breathing exercise, yoga etc is recommended.

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