2. A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO
HYPERTENSION
PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS:
Hypertension is a health condition in which the blood pressure in the body increases above 139 / 89.
As the blood pushes against the walls of the blood vessels in the body, the pressure builds up. The
higher the blood pressure, the harder the heart has to work, as a result, the heart or kidney fails. If
The pressure at which the blood flows in the brain is too high the vessels in the brain will become
stretch out also. A high flow to the brain will cause a stroke.
Your blood pressure can increase for several reasons. There could be other medical problems.
When there is no other underlining problem, having very salty foods can increase it. Salt has sodium,
a mineral which can cause fluid retention in the body. As this fluid increase, the blood volume
increases and the pressure rise. The use of some herbs can raise your blood pressure also. Foods high
in fat /cholesterol can cause a build up of plaque in the blood vessels. When plaque breaks off in the
blood, this causes a heart attack. If it occurs in the brain - a stroke. Under very stressful working
conditions, the body will secrete a hormone called cortisol. This also raises blood pressure. The lack
of adequate sleep will also increase it.
3. A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO
HYPERTENSION
It is very important to know how to monitor your blood pressure and when to see
the doctor. Home blood pressure monitoring devices are simple and very easy to use.
Normal blood pressure for an adult ranges from 110/70 to 139/89)
. Start by making sure the arm is free of any tight – fitting clothing.
. Place the arm at the same level as your heart.
. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer of your device.
. The top number measures the pressure at which the blood flows from the
heart. The bottom number is the pressure at which it flows back.
If over, 150 / 100 - GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IMMEDIATELY.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTENSION:
. Headache . Nose bleeds
. Body ache . Irritability
. General weakness . Faintness
.Popping in the ears . No signs / symptoms
4. A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO
HYPERTENSION
NUTRITIONAL ASPECT:
The Harvard Medical School’s Guide to lowering your blood pressure
(2005) recommends when shopping, choose vegetable oils like olive or
canola oil.
Choose fresh produces instead of processed or canned foods
Avoid foods high in sodium or salty foods .
The consumption of excess sodium that is retained in the body’s cells
will cause water retention.
This increase in fluid contributes to the increase in blood pressure.
De Simmone & Crowe
mentioned that a weight loss of approximately 10 pounds reduces
systolic blood pressure 5 – 20 mm hg.
5. A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO
HYPERTENSION
Environmental Aspects:
City dwellers are likely to live sedentary lifestyles. Asphalt
and concrete surfaces for jogging is very discouraging
The lack of activity causes the body to de-condition (poor
muscle tone) and slows the flow of blood.
Fresh produces are only available in supermarkets.
Pender, Murdaugh, & Parsons (2006) suggest placing fresh
fruits and vegetable stands in and around workplaces and
homes (p.190). Besides fresh produce stands , gyms and
parks need to be close by also.
6. A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO
HYPERTENSION
Psychosocial Aspects:
Da’Amico and Barbarito (2007) stated that “stress increases
cardiac output and arterial vasoconstriction resulting in
increased blood pressure”(p117).
According to Pender, et al (2006) “ production demands, lack
of control over job environment,
feeling trapped in a particular job, and
lack of positive relationships with coworkers”(p.206). Unsafe
areas, violence, poverty and arguments also create stress.
Individuals who are stressed tend to smoke. A change in work
and home environment will help in this case.
De Simmone & Crowe suggested the
use of RESPeRATE (InterCure, Inc ) medical device proven to
lower high blood pressure.
7. A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO
HYPERTENSION
Emotional Aspects:
Emotions such as worry, fear, grief and anger can increase blood
pressure.
There are techniques that can promote positive emotions.
Meditation:
guided imagery (imagining a pleasant scenery which take you away
from the situation at hand) and other types .
The Mayo Clinic suggested these tips for meditation:
. Breathe deeply .Focus on love & gratitude
. Repeat a mantra . Engage in prayer
Good sleep hygiene should be practiced.
Humor creates positive emotions by releasing “feel good hormone”.
Exercise has the same effect.
8. A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO
HYPERTENSION
Educational Aspects:
Guede, Lopes, Moreira, Pessoa ,Frotoi, and Leite(2010)
found that lack of motivation is due to ignorance.
More billboards and distribution of educational
materials are needed.
For education to be effective material must appeal to
the targeted group.
9. A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO
HYPERTENSION
Conclusion:
Hypertension can be controlled and prevented if
a holistic approach is adapted.
If every individual, family and community is
reached, this “silent killer” can be combated.
10. A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO
HYPERTENSION
REFERENCES:
Casey, A., Benson, H. (2005). Guide to lowering your blood pressure. Harvard Medical
School .New York: McGraw Hill Companies.
De Simmone, E. & Crowe, A. (2009). Non- pharmacological approaches in management
of hypertension. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 21(4), 189
– 196.doi: 10.1111/j:1745-7599.2009.00395.x; (AN 37307466)
Guede,N. ,Lopes, G., Venecios de Oliveira, Moreira,R.,Pessoa,R.,Cavalcante,T.,Frotoi,D.&
Leite, T. (2010) the prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle in individuals with high blood
pressure. International Journal of Nursing Terminologies & Classifications,21(2),p50-56.
James, D.C.S. (2004). Hypertension. Nutrition and Wellbeing A- Z. New York: MacMillan
Reference U.S.A. Health and Wellness Resource Center.
Mayo Clinic.com (2010-07-02). Take a stress reduction break wherever you are. Mayo
Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). Retrieved from
http://www.bing.com/health/article/mayo-127014/Meditation-Take-a-stressreduction-break-
wherever-you-are?q=meditation.
Pender,N.J., Murdaugh,C.L.,& Parsons, M.(2006).Health Promotion in Nursing Practice. (5th
ed.) Upper Saddle River , New Jersey : Pearson Prentice Hall.
Purnell, L., & Paulanka, B.(2008). Transcultural Health Care, A Culturally Competent
Approach.(3rd ed.) Philadelphia: F.A.Davis Company.
