High BP without symptoms: how silent damage progresses over time

High BP without symptoms: how silent damage progresses over time   

Life is sometimes normal despite a dangerous disease that starts to take shape inside us. One such disease is called High Blood Pressure. This does not come with warnings or pain or signs until it starts affecting your major organs, such as your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Hence, it is imperative to understand what it is about before it affects your life and organs.

What exactly is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is characterised by high pressure in the blood that moves through your arteries all the time. Imagine your arteries as pipes. When there is a consistent high pressure in your pipes, then the pipes will start to wear and tear, causing them to fail in their primary function.

The standard measurement of normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, and a reading above 140/90 mmHg is termed high blood pressure.

Types of High Blood Pressure (understanding the stages)

There are two types of high blood pressure. They include:

1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension

• Builds up over time for several years
• There is no one cause; however, it is associated with lifestyle and genetics

2. Secondary Hypertension

• Result of an underlying condition
• May occur suddenly
• Associated with kidney diseases, hormone-related problems, or particular medicines

           Hypertension Stages

• BP Elevated: Somewhat higher than normal
• Stage 1 Hypertension: High BP
• Stage 2 Hypertension: High BP

Hypertensive Crisis: Dangerously high BP requires medical intervention

Symptoms – or lack thereof

One of the difficult things about having high BP is that it can make you feel totally fine. However, on some occasions, you may experience any of the following:

• Headaches
• Lightheadedness and dizziness
• Breathing difficulty
• Pain in the chest area
• Vision impairment
• Weakness

High Blood Pressure Causes

No one cause is evident at all times, but there are various possibilities, so here are the causes of high blood pressure

• Poor diet (high salt, junk foods)
• Inadequate exercise
• Stress
• Being overweight
• Tobacco and alcohol use
• Hormonal problems
• Problems with kidney function
• Genetics

The build-up of pressure within the blood vessels eventually results in damage.

Risk factors & possible complications (why ignoring it is risky)

How do we diagnose High Blood Pressure?

Modern Approach (Simple yet vital)

• Measure of blood pressure by an electronic or manual sphygmomanometer
• Multiple measurements
• Tests to check the blood composition (cholesterol & sugar content)
• ECG or echocardiogram for heart function test
• Renal function test

Since monitoring high blood pressure is essential, symptoms will not help us much.

Ayurvedic approach towards diagnosis

According to the Ayurvedic system of medicine, hypertension does not exist as one disease alone but as a condition caused by the imbalances in doshas – Vata, Pitta, Kapha. For the diagnosis of high blood pressure in Ayurveda,

• Nadi Pariksha
• Knowledge about the patient’s lifestyle and digestion
• Emotional balance
• Body channel imbalances

An understanding of High Blood Pressure from an Ayurvedic perspective

From an Ayurvedic point of view, High Blood Pressure cannot be regarded as a disease entity by itself. It is considered to be a consequence of an imbalance in the three vital energies of the body called doshas, namely, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

•  Imbalance in Vata creates a disturbance in the circulation of the blood
•  Imbalance in Pitta increases the heat intensity in the blood, thereby increasing the pressure
•  An imbalance in Kapha makes circulation sluggish due to congestion in the blood vessels.

The basic cause for High Blood Pressure from an Ayurvedic perspective can be considered as

• Weak digestion
• Toxins in the body
• Stress and mental tension
• Unhealthy lifestyle

 Ayurvedic Herbs to Balance Your Blood Pressure

Here is a list of Ayurvedic herbs that have been used to balance one’s BP:

• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna): Boosts heart strength and helps improve blood flow
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Reduces stress and normalises your BP
• Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina): Used traditionally to treat high BP
• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Relaxes the nervous system and eases anxiety
• Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): Helps relax and maintain mental peace

Ayurvedic therapies for restoring the balance

Apart from using herbs, Ayurveda also suggests external therapies and Panchakarma therapies for more effective treatment:

• Abhyanga – oil massage: It improves blood circulation and helps to relax the nervous system.
• Shirodhara – a process wherein medicated oil is poured continuously onto the forehead for reducing stress and mental tensions.
• Nasya – nasal therapy, which aids in maintaining doshas of the head region.
• Virechana – detoxification therapy: It cleanses the excess Pitta along with other toxic substances.
• Basti – medicated enema therapy.: It maintains the balance of Vata.

 Diet for High Blood Pressure 

 When do you need to see a doctor? 

Despite being symptomless most of the time, some symptoms must be reported to a medical professional immediately:

• Recurring BP above 140/90 mmHg
• Severe headaches or dizziness
• Pain in the chest area
• Difficulty breathing
• Blurred vision
• Nasal bleeding (in some cases)
• Suddenly feeling weak or numb (indicates possible stroke)

 In case of pre-existing conditions like diabetes, heart problems, or renal disorders, it’s important to monitor regularly.

Conclusion 

There may be no symptoms for high blood pressure, but its effects will manifest gradually. There is no need to panic since it is manageable once you know how. With the help of today’s technology and the principles of Ayurveda, you can control your BP and live a more enriched life.