Especially in industrialized nations, high blood pressure (depending on age, this begins on average with long-term presence of values above 140/90 mmHg) is considered a widespread disease of civilization. According to estimates, approximately every second German citizen over the age of 50 suffers from elevated blood pressure (often initially without symptoms). Since high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major risk factor for life-threatening diseases of the cardiovascular system, among other things, physicians recommend consistent control of blood pressure levels.
What helps against high blood pressure?
Schematic diagram showing the anatomy and structure of the arteries and circulatory system in hypertension. Click to enlarge. Appropriate measures to combat hypertension are based, among other things, on individual severity and any secondary diseases or symptoms. In addition to the treatment of existing hypertension, an important medical focus is also on early prevention. The treatment spectrum for high blood pressure covers a wide range of therapeutic approaches and individual behavioral measures. In the case of long-term high blood pressure, experts generally recommend seeing a doctor – under professional supervision, suitable individual treatment steps can be initiated in this way. According to physicians, successful treatment of high blood pressure ideally consists of various components: In the case of highly pronounced hypertension, for example, antihypertensive drugs are often used, which must be supplemented by measures to be implemented individually. These measures include, among others, the reduction or avoidance of abdominal overweight, sufficient physical exercise, and a consistent change in diet (above all, this includes a reduction in dietary fats, which can be deposited in the vessels in the form of blood fats and thus promote high blood pressure). Also a far-reaching renunciation of nicotine and alcohol as well as a reduction of negative stress (disstress) can positively influence the blood pressure. Depending on the individual response, a treatment plan for hypertension can also be supplemented by alternative (not conventional medicine-based) therapy methods. For example, acupuncture and hydrotherapy can be mentioned here: within the framework of hydrotherapy, a professional and regular stay in warm water can, for example, contribute to the widening of the blood vessels and a subsequent drop in blood pressure. Last but not least, targeted relaxation methods (such as autogenic training) also find their application as a therapeutic component to combat high blood pressure.
Quick help
Since high blood pressure usually develops insidiously and over a longer period of time in those affected, most therapeutic measures are also aimed at long-term treatment or control. If sufferers establish that they have high blood pressure over a longer period of time, experts recommend that they first seek the advice of a medical professional as part of a rapid help program. Very pronounced and sudden increases in blood pressure (to approximate values of over 230/130 mmHg) are considered an emergency in medicine – so doctors strongly advise contacting an emergency physician in this case. If this step is neglected, the affected person may develop a so-called hypertensive crisis, which not infrequently leads to damage to tissue and organs. If, in an individual case, hypertension is the result of an underlying disease (such as diabetes mellitus) or the use of certain medications, any necessary rapid assistance may involve, for example, a change in the therapeutic components used to treat the underlying disease or a change in medication.
Alternative remedies
In addition to conventional medications, alternative remedies are also used to treat hypertension. In this context, the blood pressure-lowering effect of individual remedies may differ interindividually. Phytotherapy (herbal medicine) uses arnica, hawthorn, mistletoe, or garlic, for example, to lower blood pressure. To combat negative stress, hops, lemon balm or valerian are used in the form of tinctures, teas or capsules. In homeopathy, for example, Indian snake root (also known as Rauwolfia) is used for existing high blood pressure with accompanying feeling of heat. Home remedies from hawthorn help to lower blood pressure.In addition, medicinal plants such as aconite (Aconitum), gold (Aurum), arnica or hawthorn (Crataegus) are used here. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), high blood pressure can finally be countered with foods that are supposed to have a cooling effect. The corresponding foods include zucchini, celery or lettuce, as well as green teas and tea drinks made from dandelion or peppermint. On the other hand, TCM advises against hot spices such as chili.
