High blood pressure (hypertension) is a dangerous condition that affects nearly half of adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2018, nearly half a million deaths in the country had high blood pressure as a major or contributing cause. Occurring when the force of blood pushing against artery walls is consistently too high, high blood pressure requires a long-term approach to care.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
You may not be sure if you have high blood pressure. If it's been a while since you've had your blood pressure measured, consider scheduling a follow-up appointment with your doctor. In the meantime, here are some key symptoms of high blood pressure to watch out for:
Headaches
Nosebleeds
Dizziness
Reddening of the skin
Bloody urine
Top 6 foods that are surprisingly can lower blood pressure:
1. Bananas
You may not know that one banana a day keeps high blood pressure at bay. This fruit is full of potassium -- an important mineral that lowers blood pressure.
2. Garlic
Garlic can help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels by up to 11.2 mm Hg. In some cases, garlic supplements can work as effectively as standard blood pressure-lowering drugs, with far fewer side effects.
3. honey
Honey can also help prevent heart disease. According to one review, honey can help lower blood pressure, improve blood fat levels, regulate heartbeat and prevent the death of healthy cells
4. Lemon
Citrus fruits, including grapefruit, oranges and lemons, can have a powerful blood pressure-lowering effect. They are full of vitamins, minerals and plant compounds that can help maintain a healthy heart by reducing risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure.
5. ginger
Ginger appears to lower blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker and vasodilator.
6. Green tea
Analysis of clinical trials shows that green tea can lower systolic blood pressure (top number) by up to 3.2 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) by up to 3.4 mmHg in people with or without high blood pressure.
