Dr. Paresh R. Pai

The blood normally exerts some pressure as it passes through the blood vessels. However, due to various reasons, mainly narrowing of the blood vessels, the pressure exerted could be higher, which is known as hypertension.

In the Unani system, early reference to high blood pressure appears as Imtila, though it is today popularly known as Zaghtuddam Qawi. Imtila talks about symptoms including a headache, bulging eyes, epistaxis (bleeding nose), heavy headedness, and headache.

Types: Unani system believes in two ways that can increase blood pressure and therefore two types

• Increased amount of blood in the vessels, which is caused a hot, moist temperament or the sanguineous type.
• Dryness of the vessels (caused by narrowing) increases blood pressure, leading to the dry, cold melancholic type.

Causes: Unani believes high blood pressure as a result of the following sequence of events.

• Weakening of the arteries
• Increased food consumption, which produces more blood
• Weak arteries which are not able to accommodate the increased amounts of blood
• This is a vicious cycle where the arteries are further damaged, leading to further sluggish flow, further increasing pressure.

Complications: High blood pressure is not an isolated health condition. It leads to multiple complications like

• Chronic heart disease
• Angina pectoris (heart attacks)
• Stroke and paralysis
• Higher levels of cholesterol
• Predisposition to diabetes

Management: Managing high blood pressure is a combination of treatment and prevention. There are multiple Unani herbs, which are used in multiple formulations which help by

• Relaxing the muscles of the heart
• Improves blood flow
• Eases the blood flow through the arteries

These can be taken regularly along with restrictions on diet and lifestyle which can help in improving blood pressure. These changes would include:

1. Increased consumption of potassium-rich foods as it will counter the effect of sodium which causes higher blood pressure readings
2. Avoid adding extra salt and reduce eating the salted, fried foods. Especially, if you have a family history, it is time to reduce salt intake at an early stage. This helps prolong the onset of high blood pressure
3. Herbs like garlic, pepper, ginger, and lemon are helpful in controlling blood pressure
4. Herbal teas including hibiscus and green tea are proven to help control blood pressure as opposed to a cup of coffee
5. Dark chocolate with more than 70 per cent of cocoa is beneficial for the heart
6. Needless to say, regular exercise including brisk walking which can improve heart’s health
7. Deep breathing which improves oxygen consumption across arteries
8. Reduce consumption of alcohol
9. Quit or cut down on smoking

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Food for Heart Health:

• Green leafy vegetable like spinach, fenugreek, pak choy, radish leaves, lettuce, etc. Are healthy and are known to reduce the risk of heart diseases and cancer as well. That's because they are extremely low in fat, calories and high in dietary fibre. They also contain folic acid, magnesium, calcium, potassium, etc. These minerals are beneficial for the optimum functioning of the heart. Studies have shown that one daily serving of green leafy vegetables can lower the risk of heart diseases by 11 per cent.
• Oats are one the most healthiest options available for breakfast. Not only do they make you feel full and energetic, they are great for your heart too. Oats contain beta glucan, which is a soluble fibre that helps bring down cholesterol levels especially ldl (bad cholesterol) in the body. Have oatmeal for breakfast or have oatmeal bread or cookies to absorb their benefits.
• Whole grains whether its wheat, barley, millet, pulses and even beans for that matter are good for the heart because they provide natural fibre and vitamins. They contains vitamin e, iron, magnesium and a host of anti-oxidants. Regular consumption of of whole grains reduces blood pressure too.
• Soy is essentially soyabean curd. They are also available in the form of soya chunks and soya mince easily in the market today. Soy is an excellent healthy substitute for red meats which are high in fat, increase the bad cholesterol and saturated fats which are very bad for the heart.
• Olive oil is one of the most healthiest oils available, whose consumption is actually good for the heart. Having olive oil as a regular part of your diet, helps ion lowering ldl (bad cholesterol) in the body. Also, olive oil contains monounsaturated fats that are good for the heart and are packed with anti-oxidants. Extra virgin olive oil contains polyphenols and gives even greater health benefits. Drizzle some olive oil in your salad as a dressing instead of that unhealthy mayonnaise and high-calories dressings, or better still substitute it for your normal cooking oil and see the difference.
• Tomatoes is a good source of vitamins and acts as a blood purifier. Regular consumption of tomatoes is known to reduce the risk of heart diseases. Vitamin k present in tomatoes helps to prevent occurrences of hemorrhages. Eat tomatoes in the raw form in salads or sandwiches, cooked form in gravies or simply good old ketchup.
• An apple a day, will surely keep the doctor away because they contain guercetin, a photochemical containing ant-inflammatory properties. It also helps in prevention of blood clots. Eat apples for breakfast with your cereal or eat them as a snack when you're hungry instead to pigging out on deep-fried chips.
• Almonds when eaten in moderation is known to lower cholesterol levels in the body and heart diseases. They also contain vitamin b17, e and minerals like magnesium, iron, zinc and are a good source of monounsaturated fats.
• Red wine when drunk in moderation can be very good for the heart because they contain a powerful antioxidant called resveratrol. Also, red wine contains flavanoids. Have red wine in moderation instead of guzzling other hard alcohol drinks that are high in sugars.