by Kat Watson

Blood circulation is a closed system in which the pressure varies constantly. It rises to a peak, called the systolic pressure, at the height of the contraction of each heartbeat as the heart pumps blood out, the first number. Then it falls to a lower level, called the diastolic pressure, the second number, which it reaches just before each heartbeat. This diastolic pressure is the running pressure between beats. So therefore our blood pressure indicates how easily blood is flowing through our veins. 

The average blood pressure over a sample population is 120/80 mmHg, with females being slightly lower and men being slightly over this amount In addition to the variations within the cycle, blood pressure varies constantly with the level of physical exertion, with anxiety, stress, emotional changes, and other factors.  Hypertension is usually defined as a sustained systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or more, or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or more, at rest.

The cause of hypertension in approximately 90% of cases is unknown, in such cases this is called essential hypertension. Essential hypertension is very common, and affects perhaps 20 per cent of the adult population. Lifestyle and genetic factors may contribute. It is slightly more common in men. Obese people or those who drink excessive amounts of alcohol are more likely to develop hypertension. Stress may contribute to the condition. In a few of people, the underlying causes of the hypertension are known e.g. Cushing's syndrome, kidney disease or rarely, a tumour. 

High cholestrol levels from an unhealthy diet also causes high blood pressure.  Cholestrol levels are measured in the blood, by blood tests taken after a 24hour fast. The results are broken down into 2 types of cholestrol, high density lypo-protein, HDLP, and low density lypo-protein, LDLP.  The LDLP is the bad cholestrol and gets laid down in our arteries, known as plaque, and blocks them while the HDLP is the “sweeper” the comes along to clean the arteries. To maintain a healthy mind and body with a good strong blood pressure we need to look at lifestyle changes, such as dietary control and increased exercise.  Research has shown that people who do regular cardio vascular exercise have high levels of the good, “sweeper”, HDLP cholestrol.

We also need to look at fluid intake, most importantly water intake. If we look at a human body the more dehydrated we become (re: The Water of Life)  the more our body starts taking water out of our blood system, the thicker our blood becomes, thus flowing with less ease through our circulatory system, which results in a high blood pressure. 

From personal experience:  Peter, a 44 year old, had a blood pressure of 168/105 and doctors wanted to prescribe medication. Peter was hesitant to go on this medication and was given a month to get his blood pressure down. With my help and guidence Peter took up exercising 3 times per week, 30 minutes per session, reduced his salt intake, severly reduced his coffee and tea intake and started drinking 2 litres of water per day. Within 3 weeks Peters blood pressure had reduced to 120/78. From this evidence we can see that exercise, adequate hydration and a healthy diet can all help to reduce hypertension.