Approximately 70 million Americans, one-third of the population, have high blood pressure. Prehypertension affects one in three Americans, indicating that their blood pressure levels are higher than normal. Shockingly, one in five adults with high blood pressure may not even be aware of it because there are often no symptoms.
Chiropractic care offers an effective way to treat high blood pressure without resorting to medication. Continue reading to learn more.
Understanding Hypertension and Blood Pressure
With every heartbeat, your heart pumps blood into the body’s arteries. The force exerted by the blood on the artery walls is referred to as blood pressure. Blood pressure is typically measured using two numbers: systolic (the top number), which measures blood pressure during heartbeats, and diastolic (the bottom number), which measures pressure between heartbeats.
Hypertension is classified as follows:
– Stage 1 hypertension: 140-159/90 or higher
– Normal blood pressure: 120-80 or lower
– Stage 2 hypertension: 160/100 or higher
– Hypertensive crisis: 180/110 or higher
Hypertension and Its Risks
Many people are unaware of the dangers and potentially fatal consequences associated with this common condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high blood pressure was either the primary cause or a contributing factor in over 360,000 American deaths in 2013, equating to nearly 1,000 deaths per day.
The CDC also notes that high blood pressure is associated with other serious conditions:
– 70 percent of first-time heart attacks in adults are linked to high blood pressure.
– Eighty percent of adults experiencing their first stroke also have high blood pressure.
– 70% of adults with chronic high blood pressure ultimately develop heart failure.
– Kidney failure: High blood pressure is the second most common cause of kidney failure.
Treatment for High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be readily diagnosed and managed. Physicians often prescribe medication for hypertension, but there are numerous natural methods for lowering blood pressure. Lifestyle changes play a significant role in blood pressure regulation. These include losing weight, engaging in regular exercise, adopting a healthy diet, reducing sodium intake, quitting smoking, limiting caffeine consumption, and moderating alcohol intake.
Chiropractic Adjustments for Lowering Blood Pressure
A study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension in March 2007 demonstrated that a chiropractic adjustment of the Atlas vertebra at the base of the skull led to a significant reduction in blood pressure. This study involved 50 individuals with high blood pressure, and the improvement in blood pressure levels persisted for up to eight weeks following the adjustment—potentially even longer, as the study only assessed patients immediately after the adjustment and at a follow-up visit eight weeks later.
It’s important to note that misinformation regarding health has become a serious issue in our community, putting families at risk. Many individuals are suffering despite trying various treatments.
Contact us to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor to discuss how chiropractic care can help improve your health.”
The Wellness Way, a chiropractor Lake Mary office, is one team with one vision. Championing the importance of health to the world while inspiring hope through health restoration. The Wellness Way is passionate about health freedom because no one but you should be making health care decisions for your family. It’s time to join the health revolution and take an unapologetic approach to health, health restoration, and health freedom.
