Regulation of Cardiovascular High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, develops when the blood meets increasing resistance as it moves through the blood vessels. Hypertension rarely has any signs or symptoms. Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other health problems.

Risk Factors

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the risk of hypertension increases with age and weight gain and is more likely to occur when there is a family history of the disorder. Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and a high salt diet are risk factors for high blood pressure.

Diagnosis

• Blood pressure is measured with a measuring gauge in a doctor's office or a blood pressure monitor in a patient's home, according to the Mayo Clinic. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80, which means that systolic blood pressure is 120 millimeters of mercury and diastolic blood pressure is 80 millimeters of mercury.

Medications

• As reported by the Mayo Clinic, diuretic drugs lower blood pressure by eliminating water through the kidneys and reducing blood volume. Other hypertension drugs include beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers.

Alternative Medicine

• Nutritional supplements, including garlic, omega-3 fatty acids and alpha lineolic acid, may help to reduce hypertension, as reported by the Mayo Clinic.

Lifestyle

• According to the Mayo Clinic, eating a healthy low salt diet, maintaining a healthy weight and increasing physical activity can help reduce hypertension.