Know your Blood Pressure – don’t guess
Your blood pressure is a key indicator of the health of your heart and your circulatory system. It’s a basic health check that’s easy to do – and gives REALLY valuable early warning of unseen issues.
It’s a good practice to know what your baseline blood pressure over a period of time – and to have the occasional cross check with a health practitioner.
Over the long term, having a high blood pressure without knowing it and managing it can lead to:
- Mini strokes – that can damage eyesight.
- Major strokes – that can leave you paralysed or unable to speak.
- Heart disease.
- Heart attacks.
Check your BP like you check your weight (or even if you don’t)
If you have scales in your bathroom to keep an eye on your weight – then why not have a blood pressure machine to keep an eye on your cardiovascular health. (Especially if you’re a bit older.)
(And watch your blood pressure even if you DON’T monitor your weight.)
Your own blood pressure gear is an investment in your future health. Talk to your pharmacist to get advice on what to buy and how to use it properly.
Some key points are:
- Make sure your arm is elevated to the level of your heart – for example, resting on a pillow.
- Make sure you take the pressure on the left arm (closer to your heart) (unless you have lymphoedema in that arm)
- Take a couple of measurements – not just one.
- Cross check your results against your doctor’s – as part of your checkup. (Even get them to use your gear.)
What’s good? 120 / 80 is considered an ideal blood pressure – even as you age.
What does 120 / 80 actually MEAN?
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A blood pressure reading has two numbers. (Mayo Clinic):
- Top number, called systolic pressure. The top number measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.
- Bottom number, called diastolic pressure. The bottom number measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats.
“I know when my BP is high” – but DO you?
It’s a common mis-understanding that we can really pick when our BP is high – but it’s not really so.
Some people can – they get a headache and take their blood pressure and see its high.
However, your body adapts to your life as best it can – and the result over time is that your blood pressure can be high – but YOU don’t have any noticeable symptoms.
Blood Pressure CAN be managed – without lots of drugs
Key elements of the Naturopathic approach to a healthy circulatory system are:
- Lifestyle practices – like exercise and stress management and healthy levels of social interaction.
- Sleep quality
- Healthy, plant-rich diet
There are also herbs and supplements that are extremely helpful – without nasty side effects.
Some Naturopathic remedies that particularly help with Blood Pressure
Hawthorn berry, flower, leaf; Lavender, Lime flowers, Hibiscus & Lemon Verbena (see article below), Olive leaf, Mistletoe, Passionflower, Magnesium, Taurine and other amino acids and many other supplements.
By consulting with a Naturopath you will be prescribed the appropriate dose and type of supplement to suit you personally. Naturopathic medicines can be used safely in conjunction with medicines from your Doctor. However, wise and accurate prescribing from a well qualified Naturopath is required.
More on Hibiscus sabdariffa as a brilliant herbal medicine and food.
Monitor your BP like you get your teeth checked
It’s a simple step you can take to invest in your long term health (even if you DON’T THINK you need it.)
If you’re not sure where to start, then talk to your friendly Naturopath
