Several points are raised in response to my review, thank you for your interest!
• For those already diagnosed with hypertension, treatment with drugs which are proven to be reliable is sensible, together with awareness and attempts to lead a healthier lifestyle.
• UKBA – undoubtedly psychological stress, whatever the cause, is a lifestyle factor which contributes to hypertension – I fully understand how difficult it is to reduce.
• Beetroot – the “ Mail Online “ didn’t have space to mention that the studies quoted were on 18 volunteers ( dose of beetroot ) and 14 volunteers ( bread with added beetroot ) – all males with normal blood pressure to start with. The “ Mail “ also didn’t say that the research workers themselves remind us of the benefits to health of eating adequate amounts of fruit and vegetables, one of which is preventing hypertension developing in the first place ( http://journals.cambridge.org/action...07114512000190 ).
• Low blood pressure ( hypotension ) – the most vital “ take home message “ from my thread is that we ALL have blood pressure, and maintaining it at desirable levels for each individual is the key ! 130/80 is desirable for most adults, 140/90 and above may need treatment, and less than 90/60 is “ low “. There is no need – or benefit – to reduce a hypertensive’s blood pressure too far. As with hypertension, there may be no symptoms with hypotension, and generally it’s nothing to worry about, especially in young adults. It’s certainly not an indication to deliberately adopt an unhealthy diet – even adding salt should only be done on medical advice, if there are symptoms or an obvious cause.
• Hypertension is now so common, and increasing – especially in countries like the Philippines – with underdiagnosis, poor or no treatment control, and lethal consequences – that respected medical journals like “ The Lancet “ almost despair of prevention ( http://www.thelancet.com/journals/la...310-5/fulltext ).
• The least members can do is take it seriously, have an accurate blood pressure check, and encourage friends / loved ones in the Philippines to do the same.
