Hypertension or high blood pressure affects something like one in six people in the Western world, although as many as one third of them don't realise they have the condition. The problem with it going undetected or treated is that high blood pressure can cause long term damage to your body. Among the risks of poorly controlled hypertension are heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and even dementia.
The truth is much can be done to lower and control hypertension, but what can be done often isn't.
There are some cases where the problem is caused by underlying factors such as tumours in the brain or adrenal glands or as a result of prescribed medication, but these are in the minority.
Stress can certainly lead to short term elevated blood pressure and is considered to be a potentially strong factor in sustained hypertension. When you are under stress you are more likely to skip exercise, eat the wrong foods, smoke or drink more alcohol - all of which can contribute to high blood pressure. Yoga's ability to reduce stress and help you manage it more effectively can help reverse these tendencies and promote healthier ways of coping with pressure.
