Globally, an estimated 1.13 billion people have hypertension. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a severe medical condition. It significantly increases the risks of heart and brain disease, as well as many other health problems. Since hypertension is a leading cause of premature death worldwide, the importance of maintaining normal blood pressure cannot be stressed enough. Read more in this blog about the symptoms and causes of high blood pressure, and discover how you can lower yours by practicing the Wim Hof Method.
What is normal blood pressure?
Your heart pumps blood to make sure your organs and muscles get enough oxygen. The force of the moving blood pushing against the arterial walls is called blood pressure. Blood pressure is given as two numbers: your systolic pressure (the moment when your heart pushes blood out) and diastolic pressure (the moment your heart rests between beats). A slash separates the numbers. For example: 120 / 80 mmHg. Ideally, your blood pressure should be between 90 / 60 mmHg and 120 / 80 mmHg.
The dangers of high blood pressure
Someone has hypertension if the systolic pressure is higher than or equal to 140 mmHg and the diastolic pressure is higher than or equal to 90 mmHg. If not treated in time, high blood pressure can result in heart failure, vision loss, stroke, kidney disease, dementia, and many other health problems.
People with high blood pressure experience various different symptoms. These range from severe headaches to nosebleeds to chest pain to difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately. One of the most dangerous things about hypertension is that you may not know you have it, as most people with high blood pressure do not exhibit any symptoms until it is very severe or at a life-threatening stage. In fact, almost one third of the people who have high blood pressure are not aware of it. The best way to find out if you have normal blood pressure is to get regular checkups with a physician. That way, you can catch it before severe health conditions begin to develop.
The exact causes of high blood pressure are still unknown. However, several things play a role in the development of high blood pressure. These risk factors include but are not limited to:
- Smoking
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Consuming too much salt
- Drinking too much alcohol (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)
- Experiencing too much stress
Lower blood pressure with the Wim Hof Method
Are you trying to lower your blood pressure? In order to do so, please keep in mind to visit your doctor regularly and to live a healthy lifestyle. To experience quick results, you need to work out regularly, eat a healthy diet, limit the intake of alcohol, quit smoking, and reduce stress. In addition, you can use the Wim Hof Method as a workout for your cardiovascular system. This system, sometimes called the circulatory system, includes the blood, heart, and blood vessels. Both the exposure to cold, and the breathing techniques that the method uses help strain the muscles in your veins. When these muscles work well, there is not much pressure on your heart, as the veins do all the work, which keeps your blood pressure low. In addition, the WHM also helps to improve your mind-body connection, strengthen your immune system, and control your stress levels, among many other things.
Experience the many benefits the Wim Hof Method offers
Are you ready to start practicing, and experience the range of benefits the method offers? Try our free Mini Class! Here, you will learn the scientific breathing technique for boosting your energy levels, the benefits of exposure to cold, and the power of your mind. In our free Wim Hof Method mobile app, you get instructional videos for breathing, taking cold showers, and yoga exercises. Ready for more? We offer various online, easy-to-follow online video courses, including the Fundamentals course. During this interactive weekly video course, the Iceman himself guides you every step of the way towards strength, health, and happiness. Wait no longer and maintain normal blood pressure by starting your Wim Hof adventure today!
