Cardio-Vascular Diseases – Hypertension Causes
Hypertension (high blood pressure) has become one of the commonest diseases and a great danger to life. According to one survey, 20 percent of the adult population has hypertension. The blood vessels thicken, lose their elasticity and the heart has to pump harder to maintain the blood circulation. Thus, it gets over-strained. If the person is obese, the heart works under great pressure. High blood cholesterol and triglycerides are other sources of strain on the heart.
Consequently, with the arteries becoming narrower, the blood supply to the heart gets reduced and results in heart attack or cardiac arrest. Blood pressure varies according to the age, sex, muscular development, attitude etc., though 120/ 80 mm/Hg is generally taken as normal, in some cases 140/90 mm/Hg is also considered normal. The lower the better. Some of the causes are; heredity, smoking, worry, anxiety, obesity, mental or emotional stress, tension, alcohol and taking too much salt and sugar and some unknown causes.
Hypertension – Measures to Adopt
A balanced vegetarian diet with less salt, sugar and saturated fats, relaxation, exercises/Yoga and brisk walk help enormously. Avoid smoking, tea, coffee, zarda, tobacco and alcohol. Lose excess weight, eat natural food (low in fats, salt and sugar) such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, sprouts etc. and walk briskly for 40 to 60 minutes daily. Salt is an enemy. Garlic is very good for lowering blood pressure. Also drink plenty of water/juice (8 to 10 glasses) daily. A minimum of 7-8 hours of good and complete rest from official work for one whole day in a week, besides occasional vacations are a must. Different yogic techniques can help reduce hypertension, especially, Shavasana, Chittashuddhi and Yoganidra which provide great relaxation and help reduce the high blood pressure.
Cardio-Vascular Diseases – Blood Cholesterol
Cholesterol (a waxy substance) is both a hero and a villain. While we cannot live without it, if excess, it becomes a serious threat and often an outright killer.