High blood pressure also known as hypertension, is a prevalent health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. 

High blood pressure also known as hypertension, is a prevalent health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. 
It is often referred to as the “Silent Killer” because it typically does not exhibit noticeable symptoms until it reaches advanced stages, increasing the risk of heart diseases, stroke and other cardiovascular complications. As the modern world is gripped with stress, sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits, finding effective and holistic ways to manage high blood pressure has become paramount.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force or pressure exerted by the blood on the wall of the arteries. High Blood Pressure (hypertension) is when pressure in the blood vessels is 140/90 mm Hg or more. An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide, have hypertension and most of them i.e.  about 2/3rd are living in low- and middle-income group. According to WHO an estimated 220 million people in India are living with hypertension, only 12 % have their blood pressure under control and it is killing  adults more than any other cause. 
Primary Hypertension
In this type of hypertension, there is no distinct cause and  is also known as idiopathic hypertension. It may happen due to environmental changes, genetical factors, stress, depression, anxiety, work load and alcoholism.
Secondary Hypertension
It is caused by some other condition or disease like     kidney damage, impaired functioning tumor, overacting adrenal glands, narrowing of aorta, drugs, alcohol and food intake.
Features
Headache, nausea, vomiting, ringing in ears, excessive sweating and blurred vision. 
Possible Complications
Brain stroke, heart attack, coronary artery disease, kidney failure, bone density loss and loss of vision. 
Holistic Approach to Manage Hypertention
YOGASANAS
Yogasana involve breathing consciously and deeply while synchronizing the body movements. They can help control blood pressure naturally, primarily by relieving stress. They soothen the nerves and help in slowing down an abnormal heart rate.
The following yogasanas can help lower high blood pressure. 
Shashankasana
Sit on the heels. Keeping the hips on the heels, bend forward and lower the forehead to the floor.
Keep the arms alongside the body with hands on the floor and palms facing down. Gently press the chest on the thighs and hold the pose for 1-3 mins. 
Vajrasana
Begin by kneeling down and placing the knees, legs and feet together and sit back between your calves.  
Keeping the back straight and place the palms of the hands down on top of the thighs. 
Breathe gently through the nostrils and sit in this position for at least three minutes.
Paschimottanasana
Sit with the legs stretched out straight in front of you, keeping the spine erect and toes flexed toward you.
While breathing in, raise both arms above the head and stretch up and during breathing out, bend forward from the hip joints and chin moving toward the toes. Keep the spine erect focusing on moving forwards towards the toes, rather than down towards the knees.
Place the hands on the legs, wherever they reach, without forcing. Take hold of the toes and pull on them to help and go forward. Hold the pose for 30-60 sec.
Shavasana
Lie flat on the back with the legs together but not touching and the arms close to the body with the palms facing up.  
Keep the eyes gently closed with the facial muscles relaxed and breathe deeply and slowly through the nostrils.  
Sukhasana
Begin by sitting straight and stretching the legs in front of the body. Now, bend the left leg and keep the left foot under the right thigh. Follow the same step with the right leg. Timing:10-15 mins.
PRANAYAMA
Apart from yogasanas, pranayama or breathing exercises can also help control the blood pressure levels. 
Bhastrika 
Sit in “Vajrasana” or “Sukhasana” (cross-legged position). Make a fist and fold the arms, placing them near the shoulders. Inhale deeply, raise the hands straight up and open the fists. Exhale slightly forcefully, bring the arms down next to the shoulders and close the fists. Continue for 20 breaths.
Kapalbhati 
Sit comfortably with the back and spine erect. Place the hands on the knees with palms facing upwards and inhale deeply. While exhaling, pull the stomach and feel the abdominal muscles contract. Timing: 10 mins
Bhramari 
Close the eyes and inhale deeply through the nose. Now, keeping control on breathing, slowly exhale, making a deep and steady humming sound like a bee buzz. Timing:10 mins
Associate Professor,
Dayanand Ayurvedic College, Jalandhar.
Mob.: +91 94654 66589