Khaberni - High blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as a condition where blood pressure on the arterial walls becomes dangerously high and is often unnoticed. Subtle symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, and chest pain may appear without being noticed; however, untreated, it can lead to serious cardiac complications, including heart attacks and strokes.
This condition is more common among the elderly, and several factors increase the risk of suffering from it, including age, family history, race, an unhealthy diet, being overweight, smoking, and continuous stress, according to the "Mirror" newspaper.
Reliance on symptoms alone is not sufficient for an accurate diagnosis of hypertension, and the optimal method is measurement using a device that wraps around the arm and gives pressure as two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The standard for high pressure varies according to age and measurement environment:
For those under 80 years old: pressure is considered high if the reading is 140/90 mmHg or higher at the doctor's, or 135/85 at home.
For those aged 80 and older: pressure is considered high at 150/90 or higher at the doctor's, and 145/85 or more at home.
Dark chocolate: a heart-friendly companion?
Studies indicate that eating dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure, as it contains natural compounds such as flavanols and theobromine, which improve vascular functions and reduce the risk of heart disease. Professor Tim Spector, the scientific founder of the Zoe company and researcher at King's College London, confirms that dark chocolate contains fiber, protein, and polyphenols, which enhance overall health.
Dark chocolate may also provide additional benefits including improved cholesterol levels, enhanced brain function, increased antioxidants, and improved skin health.
Caution needed
Not all types of chocolate are beneficial, as many commercial bars contain large amounts of sugar and processed ingredients. Nutrition experts recommend starting with bars that contain at least 70% cocoa, gradually increasing the percentage according to tolerance for the bitter taste.
Dr. Karen Reid from the University of Adelaide in Australia explains that chocolate is not a magic cure for high blood pressure: "It has been proven that flavanol increases the production of nitric oxide in the vessels, enhancing their dilation and may reduce pressure. However, the results vary in reality; the greatest benefit appears in those with high pressure, while it has no effect on individuals with normal pressure."
