» HYPERTENSION:-

Blood Pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the artery, carrying blood away from the heart.  Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm. Hg. Where 120 is the systolic pressure and 80 is the diastolic pressure.  High B.P. knows as Hypertension is defined as a blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg systolic or 90 mm Hg. Diastolic. High blood pressure is related to the dietary intake of salt and fats. High salt intake leads to water retention and increases the volume of blood in the circulation. This leads to an extra load on the heart and it responds by increasing the pumping pressure. The saturated fat in the diet deposit in the blood vessels over time causing them to harden. The heart needs to exert extra pressure to pump blood through them causing the blood pressure to rise.

» Risk Factors:-

• Hereditary
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Age
• stress
• secondary causes include disease condition that can result in high blood pressure. There are    kidney diseases and hormonal diseases such as hypothyroidism.
• use of oral contraceptive in the women.

» Management:-

• Stop smoking
• Maintain a normal body weight.
• Eat low salt diet to control hypertension. Eat a healthy diet containing soluble fibres such as    fruits and vegetables. Avoid high fat foods.
• Avoid coffee & colas
• Do not drink excessive alcohol
• Exercise regularly to keep fit.
• Reduce stress and relax after work