If you are among the one in three Americans who have high blood pressure (hypertension), do not ignore it! Hypertension can be so dangerous that is known as the "silent killer". Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood that pushes against artery walls as your heart pumps blood through your body. High blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. If your blood pressure is too high, it can damage not only your blood vessels, but the organs in your body as well. High blood pressure is most common in, but children may be at risk as well. Children may have issues with their kidneys or heart which contribute to hypertension. Additionally, a growing number of children are seen at our clinic who have poor lifestyle habits which may have contributed to their high blood pressure.
Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. The first reading, systolic blood pressure, is the higher of the two numbers and results from when your heart is contracting and forcing blood through your arteries. The second reading, diastolic blood pressure, is measured when your heart relaxes between beats.
| Hypertension Categories | Systolic Blood Pressure | Diastolic Blood Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Pre-hypertension | 120 to 139 | 80 to 89 |
| Stage 1 hypertension | 130 to 139 | 90 to 99 |
| Stage 2 hypertension | 140 or higher | 100 or higher |
Hypertension Risk Factors:
Family History
Having a family history of high blood pressure places you in a higher risk category than someone with no family history of hypertension.
Gender
High blood pressure is more common in men than in women, but women are more likely to develop hypertension after menopause.
Age
Risk of high blood pressure increases with age. Over half of all Americans over age 60 and older have high blood pressure.
Unhealthy lifestyle habits:
- Obesity - you are more likely to develop pre-hypertension or hypertension if you are overweight or obese.
- Lack of Exercise - can lead to a weakened heart, poor exercise tolerance which may contribute to high blood pressure.
- Smoking - the number one risk factor in which you have control.
- Stress - High levels of stress can lead to elevated blood pressure levels temporarily, but dramatically. Stress may promote behaviors that can cause high blood pressure such as overeating, excessive alcohol consumption and/or poor sleeping habits.
Diet
- Salt - too much sodium (salt) in the diet may cause increased fluid retention which may increase blood pressure.
- Potassium - too little potassium in your body may cause increased sodium retention in your blood.
- Vitamin D - vitamin D deficiency may be linked to heart disease and is associated with elevated blood pressure.
- Alcohol - heavy drinking may cause heart damage. Drinking 2-3 drinks in one sitting can increase blood pressure.
Chronic health conditions
Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, adrenal dysfunction and sleep apnea may lead to high blood pressure. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, and chronic kidney disease.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a cause of high blood pressure in some women. This often resolves at the end of the pregnancy, but it can be the start of chronic hypertension.
Medications or supplements
Many medications have been known to increase or decrease blood pressure. Check with your physician if you feel your medications are causing elevated blood pressure.
How to Reduce Your Risk
High blood pressure is a major modifiable risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Having your blood pressure checked regularly is an important first step in identifying and controlling hypertension. At NaturoMedica, our first line of treatment for blood pressure includes lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, smoking cessation and/or weight loss. When the changing of lifestyle factors is not enough, there are multiple medications or supplements available to lower or control high blood pressure. If your doctor has recommended medication for your high blood pressure, it is important that you not stop taking it without consulting your physician. The type of medication prescribed varies based on your stage of hypertension and health history. Our physicians often recommend one or several of the following supplements to regulate elevated blood pressure or as an adjunct to hypertension treatments:
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in many enzymatic processes throughout the body. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis.
Potassium
Potassium supports cardiovascular health as it plays an essential role in the functioning of the heart muscle and maintaining already normal blood pressure. Some blood pressure medications cause loss of potassium through urination which can make potassium replacement necessary. Other medications do not cause potassium loss, so do not take potassium supplements without the advice of your physician.
Vitamin D
Recent research suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D is found in many food sources such as cod liver oil, fish, eggs and fortified milk. The sun contributes to the daily production of vitamin D. If your vitamin D levels are low, supplementation may be necessary.
L-Citrulline
L-Citrulline is an amino acid that supports the production of Nitrous Oxide, an important biochemical signal in the body to support healthy blood vessel dilation and blood pressure. L-Citrulline is usually combined with other plant antioxidants like quercetin and grape seed extract to support the health of the blood vessels.
Many lifestyle changes such as smoking or tobacco cessation, lowering of alcohol and caffeine intake, exercising regularly and losing weight help lower blood pressure. Your diet should be low in sodium and include many fruits and vegetables. Relaxation techniques such as biofeedback may help to reduce, regulate, or control elevated blood pressure alone or in conjunction with prescription antihypertensive medications or supplements. Be sure to have your family physician check your blood pressure and discuss your personal risk factors for cardiovascular disease or hypertension prior to starting any supplement. The products listed above are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.