Maybe it’s because of the way we’re brought up, but men try to ignore a lot of the signals our bodies send us. We’re taught to ignore pain (including hypertension headaches), to appear strong and in control at all times and to take life’s rough-and-tumble punishments with a stiff upper lip. Unfortunately, we ourselves often inflict the punishment.

High blood pressure can happen when you’re under stress for a long time. Because you’re uptight inside, your whole cardiovascular system absorbs that tension. Arteries and arterioles become narrower because the sheaths of smooth muscle that surround them contract and diminish circulation. The longer the stress goes on, the more permanent a condition this becomes, eventually affecting the whole blood-delivery and waste-extraction systems. In terms of simple hydraulics, the heart (the pump) has to exert increased tension (pump harder) to get the same amount of fluid through the narrower openings. This state, called "hypertension," is easy to ignore until it’s too late and an aneurysm, stroke or infarction occurs.

Blood Pressure Detection

High blood pressure is considered a stealthy killer because there may be no detectable signs for a long time. It’s usually unnoticed unless your systolic and diastolic readings are taken regularly using a sphygmomanometer–the cuff and mercury "barometer" the doctor puts around your biceps. The first reading is the pressure of your heart when it’s pumping. The second is the strength of the after-wave of blood flowing through the system when the heart is at rest. The ratio between the two readings tells a lot about how your heart is functioning.

So what is "normal" blood pressure? If you’re a peak performance athlete about 18 years of age, normal may be 115/75. But as we get older, a higher reading such as 140/90 is acceptable. However, once it rises above that, you’re probably registering too much pressure on the system.

The cause of high blood pressure varies with different individuals. The orthodox medical profession usually blames "essential" hypertension on stress from work, relationships, children, debts and parents–you name it. However, these states of stress can be prevented.

A Preventive Lifestyle

One of the best antidotes to stress is exercise. Practitioners of tai chi claim that the regular practice of their art definitely lowers blood pressure. Cycling, swimming and walking are other fitness suggestions. It is ideal to get 20 minutes of "out-of-breath" exercise each day.

Cigarette smoking is not a good idea. Most medical research associates smoking with damage to the cardiovascular system. Of course there are stories about guys who smoked until they were climbing into the coffin at 98 years of age! But there are a lot more stories about smokers who had massive cardiovascular problems at young ages and who are no longer able to lead productive lives.

Find out what really relaxes you and make it a daily routine. Even watching an old movie, getting away to the country or taking up drawing or painting might be helpful. Also consider taking other positive steps to eliminate stress, such as simplifying your life.

Herbal Interventions

Keith Stelling is a herbalist with a holistic approach. He has retired from active practice and lives in Southampton, ON.

Source: alive #228, October 2001