Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious condition that affects 50 million Americans—one in four adults. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and it contributes to hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis.

• A normal blood pressure is less than 130/85.
• High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.
• If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 140/90, then you have prehypertension.

High blood pressure increases your chance (or risk) for getting heart disease and/or kidney disease, and for having a stroke. Hypertension is often called the silent killer. It is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs or symptoms.

Herbal Remedies:

Cardocare A complete cardiac tonic made from over 16 herbs which strengthens the ailing heart. CARDOCARE capsules are effective in strengthening the Heart Muscles, controlling Blood Pressure, maintaining the normal Pulse Rate and other Heart Diseases.

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) Arjuna is a coronary vasodilator. It protects the heart, strengthens circulation, and helps to maintain the tone and health of the heart muscle. It is also useful in stopping bleeding and to promote healing after a heart attack. Current scientific research has proved that T.arjuna contains specific medically active constituents namely triterpine glycosides like arjunetosides I, II, III, IV, arjunine and arjunetein. Bark of Arjuna tree has been found to be rich in Co-enzyme Q-10 which is highly prescribed in cardiology departments now a days to prevent heart problems More..

Guggul (Commiphora mukul) It has been shown to lower blood-fat levels while raising levels of HDL, the so called "good cholesterol". It is useful in atherosclerosis, psoriasis and cardiac ischemia. It has been shown that Guggul can lower blood cholesterol by 14-27% and can lower triglycerides by 22-30%. The effects that Shuddha Guggulu has on the blood cholesterol levels is comparable to prescription medications but, being a natural plant extract, it is a far superior and much safer product. More..

Garlic (Allium sativum), (Lasuna) Garlic is a wonder drug for heart. Clinical trials have shown that fresh garlic and garlic supplements may lower cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, and destroy plaque. When people with high blood pressure were given one clove of garlic a day for 12 weeks, their diastolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced. More..

Causes Of High Blood Pressure:

According to National Institutes of Health, the causes for high blood pressure may include narrowing of the arteries, a greater than normal volume of blood, or the heart beating faster or more forcefully than it should. Any of these conditions will cause increased pressure against the artery walls. High blood pressure might also be caused by another medical problem. Most of the time, the cause is not known. Other factors are smoking, obesity, alcohol, stress, sodium intake and inactive lifestyle.

Symptoms:

One of the cruel facts of hypertension is that it exhibits no distinctive symptoms. This is why it's so important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Serious cases of hypertension, which happen infrequently, may produce the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Cofusion
• Nausea
• Tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing in the ears)
• Visual disturbances

Prevention:

You can prevent high blood pressure by: Maintaining a healthy weight. Lose weight if you are overweight, Exercising more, Drinking alcoholic beverages in moderation, if you drink at all and Eating foods low in salt. All Americans, especially people with high blood pressure, should eat no more than about 6 grams of salt a day, which equals about 2,400 milligrams of sodium. That's about 1 teaspoon of table salt.

Also see Cholesterol, Obesity

Diet:

Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables and is low in fat.

• Choose foods low in calories and fat.
• Choose foods high in starch and fiber: Foods high in starch and fiber, like fruits, vegetables, dry peas and beans, as well as whole-grain cereals, pasta, rice and breads, are excellent substitutes for high fat foods.
• Eliminate the use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
• Reduce the Intake of Salt: Sodium increases the amount of fluid in your vascular system.
• Use herbs, spices, and salt-free seasoning blends in cooking instead of salt.

Advice:

• Exercise Regularly: Exercise increases flexibility and improves circulation.
• Reduce the Intake of Salt
• Eliminate the use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
• Maintain a Health Weight. Being overweight is associated with high blood pressure.

Read More On High Blood Pressure, Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Natural Cures

You might be interested in some Home Remedies For Hypertension. Click Here

Herbal Remedies for High Blood pressure