Hypertension Heart Disease
This page on HealthMBA.com is about the effects of high blood pressure on the heart. Diet and lifestyle habits can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system, leading to strain on the heart. Diagnosing and treating this cause of heart disease can greatly reduce a person's risks of stroke and heart attack.
Heart disease is among the leading causes of death in modern times and is commonly caused by the condition of hypertension in the cardiovascular system. The Heart is the central driving for in the body's complex operation of organs. Each of the body's components relies on the blood stream to be supplied with nutrients and other chemicals, as well as being able flush out waste products. Blood flows through all parts of the body, so the heart has to push and pull very hard continually to ensure that the network of veins and arteries keep in good operation. Certain conditions in our health and habits can affect the operation of the heart and the flow of blood, causing strain, damage and even breakdown of the heart.
One of the greatest strains on the cardiovascular system is when the blood stream carries too much fluid pressure, a condition known as arterial hypertension or simply high blood pressure over an extended period of time. Stressful situations can raise blood pressure temporarily, but if the pressure remains high over a number of weeks it causes strain and causes a higher risk of seriously life-threatening conditions such as stroke, heart attack and arterial aneurysm. One cause over the long term is over consumption of sodium, which draws extra fluid into the blood stream. Another cause is as we age the linings of the arteries lose elasticity, so they are less able to adjust to varying degrees of pressure. Another condition due to diet is where too much fat and cholesterol build up in the blood stream and a buildup of material can cause bottlenecks to constrict blood flow.
Diet is very important in keep the cardiovascular system fit and efficient do do its job, and exercise also does a lot to bring the heart and blood vessels to peak efficiency and to make them robust and resilient to fend of damaging effects. Doctors can diagnose high blood pressure and determine whether it is a long term condition. They can prescribe antihypertensive drug therapy to help the heart and the other systems adjust to the condition, but a doctor will always recommend weight loss to reduce the amount of work required by the heart to supply the body with blood flow, a diet low in sodium and cholesterol, along with a regular routine of exercise to improve blood flow in the cardiovascular system.
There are also some foods and natural supplements that can help to lower high blood pressure, such as fresh fruits and vegetable and foods high in natural fiber. For lifelong health and wellness it is smart to include a heart checkup along with your regular physical exams so that you can watch for signs of a struggling cardiovascular system. Finding high blood pressure early gives you time to change your diet and level of activity.
