The Effect of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) on Men
Hypertension is the term given to higher than normal blood pressure, which is a level consistently at or above 140mmHg systolic and/or 90mmHg. Hypertension is very common amongst men, and women. In the UK, for example, recent statistics show 31.7% of the adult male population have hypertension, against 29.5% of women. In total, 16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure, out of a total population of about 60 million.
If you do have blood pressure readings that are on the high side, then you are far from alone. However, if you care for your health you should take that reading seriously, and learn as much as you can about how you can reduce the pressure to a normal level. Blood pressure can, in most cases be reduced with natural methods and adjustments to lifestyle, although that may not be enough to get your blood pressure reading into the "normal range". Discuss the options with your doctor when you have had a high reading for your blood pressure.
Your doctor's approach will depend much on location, and any financial incentive they may have to prescribe Western drugs. Be sure to ask them what the reading is, and if it is not very high, then you have a good chance of reducing the pressure without drugs, which can have side effects that have life spoiling implications, including impotence.
Bear in mind when you get your first high reading that there may be special circumstances causing it to be high, so it is important to monitor regularly and a home blood pressure monitor is a good idea. Some people always have higher readings at the doctor's or in hospital, and that is something I have experienced in the past, as much as a 20 point rise in the diastolic reading between leaving home and having the reading taken by the doctor or nurse. This is often referred top as white coat syndrome.
If your doctor is responsible, he will discuss with you lifestyle changes that should help you lowering your blood pressure. Some things he may suggest are:
1. If you smoke, then stop smoking.
2. Reduce alcohol intake if you drink too much, something like an average 1 glass of wine a day.
3. If you are overweight, then lose weight. being overweight or obese can lead to diabetes, heart disease and increase hypertension.
4. Change diet to foods that are less likely to raise blood pressure. High salt intake is known to increase blood pressure. If your doctor can recommend a nutritionist, then that is fine.
5. High blood pressure can be caused by high stress levels. My first hypertensive reading was during the period of separation and divorce. Learn to relax as much as possible, in whatever circumstances. I find meditation can lead to a drop in blood pressure.
Do not be embarrassed to talk openly to your doctor, and request information on drug side effects and alternatives. If he is understanding of your concern and still recommends drug treatment, then your pressure is probably very high.
Keep track of your blood pressure regularly, remembering the first reading can be higher than second and third. I never only take one reading of my own, and always get lower readings a few minutes later.
