Hypertension is defined as repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg i.e. above 140 mm Hg Systolic Pressure and above 90 mm Hg Diastolic pressure. The point to note here is that, for elevated blood pressure to fall under ‘Hypertension’ category, it needs to be consistently high in 3 readings taken in a single visit. The following chart gives a brief understanding of stages of Hypertension.
DECODING HYPERTENSION
Now let us look at Hypertension in a different way. Physics defines:
Pressure = Force/Area
Now we know that
Force = Mass * Acceleration
Mass = Density * Volume
So according to this formula:
Pressure = (Density * Volume * Acceleration)/Area
In other words, if Density, Volume or Velocity of any object increases and the area in which the object is, decreases, then the pressure increases. Now, if we look at Blood Pressure, then we can easily deduce that anything which:
Increases the Density of Blood such as increased fat content
Increases the Volume of Blood such as water retention
Increases the Velocity of Blood in Arteries such as elevated heart rate
Decreases the Area of Arteries such as blockage in arteries
Will in fact increase the blood pressure
ALLOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION
Diuretics – Promotes elimination of water in urine thereby reducing volume of blood and reducing pressure
Beta Blockers – Reduces force of Heart rate thereby reducing velocity of blood in Arteries and enhances reduction in BP
Vasodilators – Relaxes the walls of arteries for smooth passage of blood or in other words increases Arterial area thereby reducing BP.
However, these drugs and are not without side effects. Once started they have to be continuously taken because they are not formed within the body .They work until they are in the system. They do not work on specific areas only and would have the same effect on Blood or Arteries all over the body.
NATURAL WAYS TO MANAGE HYPERTENSION
Yoga - Relaxes the entire system and helps deal with Stress induced Hypertension
Nutrition - Reducing the sodium in your diet and eat a variety of foods rich in particular nutrients that help lower blood pressure and reduce the blockages in arteries
Ayurveda - Medications as well as therapies to balance the Tri Doshas which has led to Hypertension
The Natural interventions which help in management of Hypertension are
Condition Specific Yoga Therapy
Healthy Nutrition
Yoga based Stress Management Techniques
Lifestyle Modification
A combination of 2 or more of these will help in managing hypertension in a healthy way.