Firstly, the systolic blood pressure reading is the force at which the heart pumps blood around the body. Secondly, the diastolic blood pressure reading is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels. If these measurements are too high, you’re more prone to a heart attack or stroke. Sipping on hibiscus tea – instead of a regular builder’s – might lower blood pressure. The Antioxidant Research Laboratory in Boston, America, identified the herbal extract to have “anti-hypertensive properties”.
The results suggest that daily consumption of hibiscus tea in mildly hypertensive adults may be part of the dietary recommendations for such people.
Other dietary changes, endorsed by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), include cutting down on salt consumption.
For instance, instead of adding salt to your cooking, take advantage of herbs and spices to deliver flavoursome meals.
Another dietary consideration is not to drink more than the recommended 14 units of alcohol per week.
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It’s important to know your blood pressure reading so that you can take steps to reduce it if needs be.
Otherwise, high blood pressure is closely linked to:
- Heart disease
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Heart failure
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Aortic aneurysms
- Kidney disease
- Vascular dementia
As well as dietary considerations, the NHS stated blood pressure readings can be lowered by:
- Losing weight (if overweight)
- Exercising regularly
- Cutting down on caffeine
- To not smoke
People with really high readings will need to take medication as well leading a healthy lifestyle.
Source: Daily Express
