If the number of high blood pressure medications being prescribed today is any indication, high blood pressure has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. However, the truth is that high blood pressure is just a symptom of underlying problems and, in addition to failing to address the underlying problems, mainstream blood pressure medications can have very serious side effects.

Due to serious side effects, including death, blood pressure medications often do not lengthen life, they shorten it.  Instead of relying on such potentially dangerous forms of medications, there are much more effective lifestyle changes and natural remedies that one can implement in stabilizing blood pressure and strengthening their cardiovascular system.

Blood pressure is measured by the pressure exerted by blood as it travels through the arteries. Blood pressure is read by two numbers, systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Blood pressure that is considered normal is between 110/60 and 138/80. Elevated blood pressure is called hypertension. Stage I hypertension is considered to be measurements between 140 to 159/90 to 99 and Stage II hypertension is measurements of 160/100 or above.

It is important to note that high blood pressure is not a disease. It is a symptom. In almost all cases, high blood pressure is the mechanism by which the body provides more oxygen to keep it alive.

Cultural habits have a lot to do with the variance of blood pressure levels throughout the world. The fast-paced life in western cultures that includes fast foods, junk foods, processed foods, too much salt, and sugar have a lot to do with the rise in diseases that cause high blood pressure.

Factors that cause high pressure include:

*Being overweight;

*Poor Diet;

*Lack of exercise; and

*Diseases such as diabetes, and kidney and liver disease. Note: In the case of kidney and/or liver overload, a two week detoxification process will usually bring down blood pressure levels within a normal range;

Stress is a major cause of high blood pressure, and it is important to note that prescription and over-the-counter medications are a very common cause of high blood pressure.

Symptoms of high blood pressure include:

*Heart palpitations
*Dizziness
*Fatigue
*Headaches
*Nosebleeds
*Diarrhea
*Constipation
*Nausea
*Erectile Dysfunction
*Menstrual problems

Eliminating stress, regular physical activity and eating the proper diet are imperative when treating high blood pressure. All fast foods, junk foods, processed foods, excess salt, sugars, unhealthy oils, sodas, etc. must be eliminated. Foods that help to lower blood pressure are: Garlic (preferably raw), cinnamon, bananas, and a diet that includes plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. It is also important to remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Important herbs and supplements that are effective when addressing the cardiovascular system are:

Cayenne Pepper: A most effective remedy, cayenne stabilizes blood pressure. In fact, it is the best thing that can be taken to strengthen the entire cardiovascular system. Cayenne stabilizes the blood so that it both stops bleeding and prevents blood clots.

Cayenne cleanses clogged arteries, and it has been known to repair a damaged heart. Drinking one teaspoon of cayenne in warm water will stop a heart attack in less than a minute. One teaspoon taken daily in warm water or mixed with juice (no sugar, no additives), will bring instant results in stabilizing blood pressure. If one teaspoon is too much for the beginner, start with a quarter of a teaspoon and work up.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) also helps to stabilize blood pressure, promotes arterial health, and supports the cardiovascular system.

Hawthorne Berry Syrup lowers blood pressure, protects arterial walls, and prevents and treats hypertension and angina.

Additional supplements that support the cardiovascular system are fish oil and folic acid.

Sources:

http://orlandobchealth.com/the-blood-pressure-hoax/
http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsek/a/Hypertension.htm
http://www.cayennepepper.info/health-benefits-of-cayenne-pepper.html
http://www.tbyil.com/High_Blood_Pressure.htm

See also:

The Truth About Lowering Cholesterol