High blood pressure is when your blood pressure, the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels, is consistently too high. Over time, this causes your blood vessels to lose their elasticity, restricting the amount of blood that flows through them. Restricting the supply of blood to your heart is particularly concerning because it can trigger a heart attack.
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Unfortunately, high blood pressure does not usually have any symptoms, so the only way to find out if you have it is to get your blood pressure checked.
According to the NHS, blood pressure tests can also be carried out at home using your own blood pressure monitor.
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as two figures.
Systolic pressure – the pressure when your heart pushes blood out – is the top number and diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart rests between beats – is the bottom number.
“High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or an average of 135/85mmHg at home) – or 150/90mmHg or higher (or an average of 145/85mmHg at home) if you’re over the age of 80,” explains the health body.
If the test determines that your blood pressure is too high, you must make healthy lifestyle decisions to lower it.
Overhauling your diet plays a key role and a robust body of evidence can point you to the most heart-healthy items.
According to research, snacking on celery can help to combat high blood pressure.
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The results of a study published in the journal Natural found that taking celery seed extract improved blood pressure levels in patients who had mild to moderate elevations.
As Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical centre, explains, celery contains a phytochemical (compounds produced by plants) called phthalides.
As an extract, it’s called NBP, and it relaxes the tissues of the artery walls to increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
Whole stalks provide more benefit than celery seeds, however.
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“Celery stalk salt content is low, and you also get fibre, magnesium and potassium to help regulate your blood pressure, as well,” notes Cleveland Clinic.
Foods that are rich in potassium are particularly important in managing high blood pressure because potassium lessens the effects of sodium, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
Sodium, which is found in salt, raises your blood pressure, but the more potassium you eat, the more sodium you lose through urine.
“Potassium also helps to ease tension in your blood vessel walls, which helps further lower blood pressure,” explains the AHA.
Being active and taking regular exercise also lowers blood pressure by keeping your heart and blood vessels in good condition.
“Regular exercise can also help you lose weight, which will also help lower your blood pressure,” notes the NHS.
According to the health body, adults should do at least 150 minutes (two hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week.
Physical activity can include anything from sport to walking and gardening.
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