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High blood pressure and stroke are related to each other. High blood pressure is known to be the most significant factor in a stroke attack. It actually increases the risk factor.

Blood pressure can be defined as a measurement of the force that’s exerted on the walls of artery via the pumping blood. In case, you suffer from high blood pressure, the blood is pumped harder as compared to what it should. This results in to unnecessary strain on the vessels of the circulatory system.

Hypertension is also known as the silent killer. It is so because most people do not realize that they have developed this condition. A person suffering from high blood pressure actually does not suffer from any symptoms. Hence, the only way to diagnose is regular medical check ups.

High blood pressure can be categorized in to three stages namely; mild, moderate or severe. This problem may also result in some serious life threatening disease such as heart attack, kidney disease and heart failure. If hypertension is left untreated, it can result in permanent eye damage.

Blood pressure can be measured in two different ways. The first method is known as systolic where the pressure inside the artery as pulse of blood arrives from the heart. The upper limit is normal and counted as 140. The second method is Diastolic where the resting pressure inside the artery between pulses is checked. The upper limit of normal is 90.

The normal blood pressure is around 120/80. The stage of hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when the blood pressure is (consistent) about 140/90. Studies have proved that a person with hypertension that is left untreated is four times more at risk to have a stroke as compared to one who has a healthy blood pressure.

There are several bad effects at high blood pressure.

The most dangerous is having a risk of stroke. There are numerous ways in which high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke in many ways.

a) High blood pressure enhances the effects of atherosclerosis. This is a condition where the arteries are narrowed due to the fatty plaques build up.

b) Blockage of blood flow to the brain, know as embolic stroke that’s caused by dislodge cholesterol plaque from the walls of the artery.

c) Weak artery walls usually lead to breakage of vessel as well as bleeding into the brain. The attack is known as hemorrhagic stroke.

d) Constant stress load leading to consistent stress load.

e) People with rare malformation of the blood vessels inside the brain usually suffer from a hemorrhagic stroke.

As your blood pressure gets too high, your chances of having a stroke increase. The stroke is characterized by loss of brain function as a result of lack of blood supply to the brain.

High blood pressure can cause a lot of damage to blood vessels. The damage can be in the following forms:

• Thickening of vessels

• Formation of clot

• Breakage of vessels

You should constantly keep a check on your blood pressure in order to reduce the risk of stroke attack.

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High blood pressure is one of our most common health problems and is steadily increasing in most modern societies. Knowing that you have this condition can be very disturbing, especially if you don’t fully grasp what’s behind it and the implications for your future health. But when you understand what’s going on inside your body you’ll be better able to cope with it and to find effective options for treating it.

The heart pumps blood throughout the body to supply vital organs and functions with oxygen and other nutrients. Blood pressure is the force exerted on the walls of our blood vessels as blood circulates throughout the body. Blood pressure readings are always associated with two numbers; the higher one is called systolic and the lower is diastolic. Systolic blood pressure is the force of the blood when the heart beats. Diastolic pressure is the pressure at rest between heartbeats. Both numbers are important but doctors tend to look more closely at systolic pressure as people begin to age and their blood pressure starts to increase.

In a healthy circulatory system blood flows relatively easily through relaxed, flexible and unrestricted blood vessels. Under these ideal circumstances blood pressure tends to measure around 120 systolic over 70 diastolic. However, blood pressure will increase whenever there is something that restricts blood flow or makes it harder for the heart to pump. This could be in response to strenuous activity, for instance, when the muscles need more blood. This is entirely normal and blood pressure will return to normal when the body rests.

However, there are many other, unhealthy circumstances that can cause blood pressure to rise. Fatty deposits called plaque can build up in the arteries, usually caused by a poor diet. These build-ups obstruct blood flow, just like blocking up a water hose, and increase the pressure and load on the heart. Another thing that can cause the heart to work harder and increase blood pressure is excess weight.

There are many things that can cause your blood pressure to rise but when the increase becomes consistent above a certain level you will be diagnosed with high blood pressure, or hypertension. High blood pressure is usually considered to start at 140 over 90, although many doctors consider anything over 130/80 to be a potential risk and they refer to it as pre-hypertension.

So let’s say you have hypertension. What are the risks and how are you going to lower your blood pressure? The first part of the answer is easy. If not treated and controlled, hypertension can lead to many serious health problems. These include heart disease, kidney disease and even eye damage including blindness.

The heart and circulatory consequences are easy to explain. Constant high pressure against your blood vessels can lead to arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. This condition will contribute to further pressure on the heart. The combination of hardened and partially blocked arteries can eventually trigger a heart attack. Or, plaque can break loose from within an artery and cause a blockage elsewhere in the body. The result is often a stroke.

The good news is that high blood pressure can be treated and it’s even easier to prevent. Most experts agree that the vast majority of cases of hypertension will respond well to positive lifestyle changes. And if you make such changes early enough you will prevent high blood pressure in the first place.

Forearmed with the knowledge of what poor quality food can do to your arteries you are more likely to eat a healthy diet. Being aware of the extreme load placed on your heart by being overweight may help you stay active and fit and to keep an eye on your weight. Maybe even more important than weight alone is your Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a fair indicator of the ratios of fat and muscle in your body. A healthy BMI is 25 or less.

It’s important to take your blood pressure seriously and keep it in check with a healthy lifestyle. The only other alternative with high blood pressure is to use powerful medications. These are usually effective at dropping your blood pressure but at the cost of numerous unpleasant side effects. The choice should be easy. Forewarned is forearmed.

Jan Oliver is an academic, writer and researcher in natural health. See more of her work at http://www.control-your-blood-pressure.com/. Discover genuine natural ways to lower blood pressure immediately. Click Here to get your free report on dealing with blood pressure.

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