Richmond Acupuncture Clinic and Wellness Center in VA
Since 1988 practicing acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine
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One-third of Americans suffer from hypertension (HTN). Hypertension is an
elevation in blood pressure beyond normal levels, indicating increased cardiac
(heart muscle) contraction, increased vascular resistance, or both. A normal
blood pressure measurement is 120/80 mmHg. Any reading above 140/90 is
considered hypertension. It is often also called High Blood Pressure (HBP) or
more grimly as “the silent killer”, as the condition often causes few
subjective symptoms before becoming fatal. When untreated, hypertension can
lead to an increased risk for strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure. Most
of the time, there are no symptoms. Symptoms may include:
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Chest pain
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Confusion
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Ear noise or buzzing
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Irregular heartbeat
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Nosebleed
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Tiredness
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Vision changes
Current western medical therapy is long-term pharmaceutical suppression of
the condition combined with lifestyle adjustments. There are many different
medicines that can be used to treat high blood pressure, including:
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Alpha blockers
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme
(ACE) inhibitors
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Angiotensin receptor blockers
(ARBs)
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Beta-blockers
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Calcium channel blockers
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Central alpha agonists
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Diuretics
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Renin inhibitors, including
aliskiren (Tekturna)
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Vasodilators
Decreasing stress, salt intake, alcohol, and tobacco with an improved diet
and regular exercise can help manage your hypertension.
While the ancient Chinese medical doctors did not describe hypertension in
the same manner we do today, Chinese medicine theory accounted for the various
physiological processes surrounding this condition. In this system of medicine,
various physiological relationships exist between each of the internal organs.
When these relationships become disharmonious, a variety of disease patterns
manifest. Hypertension is typically caused by a disharmony of the Liver organ
in Chinese medicine. Acupuncture can help you to avoid or reduce the use of
hypertension drugs under the supervision of your medical doctor. Chinese
Medicine is becoming increasing popular for individuals who wish to avoid or
minimize the long-term effects of drug therapy. Apart
from curing your hypertension problem, acupuncture also promotes the healing of
other problems related to your heart.
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Richmond Acupuncture Clinic and Wellness Center in VA
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