| High blood pressure (hypertension) | |||||
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- What is high blood pressure?
- Symptoms of high blood pressure
- Causes of high blood pressure
- Treatment of high blood pressure
- Important high blood pressure facts
Blood pressure is the force that is exerted against the walls of the arteris by the blood when is pumped though by the heart. Blood pressure is at its highest when the heart pumps the blood and is at its lowest when the heart rests between beats.
High blood pressure is defined as the heart pumping blood with extra force/pressure on each beat and even when the heart rests, the pressure is still too high. High blood pressure puts a lot of strain on the heart as is pumps blood too hard through the arteries. It can lead to a variety of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
High blood pressure is defined as being higher than the highest figures below (for each of systolic and diastolic pressures):
- Systolic - heart beat pressure
- Normal is 90-120mmHg
- Diastolic - resting rate between heart beats
- Normal is 60-80mmH
Symptoms of high blood pressure
High blood pressure often does not present any symptoms, which is why the effects of it (heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease) often come as a unexpected and unwanted surprise.
If there are any symptoms, they will be:
- Blurred vision
- Dizzines
- Headaches
- Nausea
The following are risk factors for developing high blood pressure:
- Age - as people get older, they are more likely to have a higher blood pressure reading, as the arteries become less flexible than before
- Alcohol - drinking more than the recommended amount can increase blood pressure (recommendations for alcohol are: 1-2 standard drinks for women and 2-3 standard drinks for men each day, 4-5 times per week, with 2-3 alcohol-free days per week)
- Being overweight - being overweight is closely associated with developing high blood pressure
- Birth control pills - can raise blood pressure in some women who take them
- Body fat - if body fat is centred around the middle of the body ("apple" shaped body type), this is a higher risk factor for high blood pressure
- Excessive sodium intake - some people who consume more than the recommended amunt of sodium can unwittingly increase their blood pressure
- Certain medications - some prescription drugs (and also non-prescription ones) such as antihistamines, cold and flu drugs, decongestants (especially if they contain pseudoephedrine) can raise blood pressure
- Gender - men generally have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure (although women are catching up)
- Genetics - a family history of high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing it
- Lack of exercise - not exercising regularly is associated with developing high blood pressure (recommendation for exercise: at least 30 minutes of exercise each day)
Treatment of high blood pressure
Diagnosis and testing
Blood pressure must be measured regularly by your doctor, as most people with high blood pressure will not have any symptoms.
Other tests can include:
- Blood tests - to determine levels of various hormones, electrolytes (including sodium), cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) - this is a test to measure the electrical activity of the heart by wires which are attached to specific points on the body
- Ultrasound - if necessary this test can identify problems with the kidneys and adrenal glands
Conventional treatment
Conventional treatment for hypertension is:
- Lifestyle modifications - doctors will usually recommend the following to assist with lowering blood pressure
- Exercise - studies show regular exercise is as beneficial as anti-hypertensive medications, which may need to be reduced if they are taken
- Lose weight - people who are overweight or obese put a lot of stress on their heart and losing weight can lower risk for serious complications of high blood pressure
- Reduce alcohol intake - current medical guidelines recommend 1 alcoholic drink for women and 2 for men each day - drink in moderation
- Reduce salt - research shows that limiting sodium intake to 1.5g per day is effective in lowering blood pressure
- Stop smoking - while smoking may not directly cause high blood pressure, it does damage the walls of blood vessels and hardens arteries, it is recommended to quit
- Medications - various medications are prescribed for treating high blood pressure, sometimes more than one medication is prescribed to be taken together
- ACE inhibitors - angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors block an enzyme that initiates production of aldosterone (a hormone released by the adrenal glands that increases blood pressure); this has the effect of dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure
- Alpha blockers - these drugs block signals to the blood vessels and allow blood flow to be normalised and blood pressure reduced
- Alpha beta blockers - these drugs have a similar effect to alpha blockers, but have an added effect in that they slow the heart beat too (in a similar way to beta blockers), thereby lowering blood pressure
- Angiotensin antagonists - these drugs prevent angiotensin from working properly, widen blood vessels and reduce blood pressure
- Beta blockers - thse drugs block specific nerve signals to the heart to reduce heart rate and force, which means the heart does not have to exert as much force to pump out blood which reduces pressure
- Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) - these drugs prevent calcium from entering the heart and blood vessels so relax the muscles surrounding the blood vessels, allowing better blood flow and a reduction in blood pressure
- Diuretics - these drugs work to remove sodium and water from the body; can be purchased without a prescription
- Nervous system inhibitors - these drugs block signals to the nerves and open up the blood vessels to allow normal blood flow, reducing blood pressure
- Vasodilators - these drugs open up arteries by relaxing the muscle around the walls, reducing blood pressure
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure - blood pressure monitors can be purchased at pharmacies to enable close monitoring of blood pressure in between visits to the doctor
Most medications will have some associated side effects - always see you doctor if you have any troublesome side effects to any medication you are taking.
Alternative / completementary treatment
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
- Diet - various dietary factors can greatly reduce blood pressure (and may even prevent it from happening in the first place)
- Eat less processed foods - most processed foods are very high in salt and sugar, both of which can elevate blood pressure; foods to limit - cheese, cured meat, sausages, chips, pre-packaged foods, crackers, pretzels
- Eat less salt - salt can elevate blood pressure in many people and should be limited by not adding any to food and not eating processed foods; instead of salt, use herbs, spices, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar
- Eat less sugar - sugar may contribute to raising blood pressure; foods high in sugar should be limited, especially processed foods
- Eat less saturated fat - which can block arteries, causing high blood pressure and then heart disease to develop; eat it in moderation
- Increase water intake - water allows the body to be properly hydrated and dilutes the effects of high sodium, drink about 8-10 glasses of water each day
- Herbs - there are a few herbs which are used to treat high blood pressure, but they will not be discussed here as they need to be specifically prescribed by an alternative health professional and monitored carefully
- Lifestyle modifications - these modifications
can assist with lowering blood pressure or prevent it from happening in the first place in most people
- Avoid smoking - while smoking may not directly cause high blood pressure, it does damage the walls of blood vessels and hardens arteries, it is recommended to quit
- Drink less alcohol - too much alcohol can increase blood pressure, limit alcohol to 1-2 glasses of red wine (made with no preservatives) 2-3 times per week
- Exercise more - several studies show that regular, low intensity exercise is just as effective as medication to lower blood pressure which is too high, even in elderly people (suitable exercise - swimming, walking, aerobics, cycling)
- Lose weight - excess weight, especially around the middle (abdomen area) is a high risk factor for developing high blood pressure (as well as heart disease in general)
- Relax - strong emotions, anger and stress all can contribute to elevating high blood pressure, so try to relax by any method that appeals - meditation, yoga, visualisation, socialising
- Minerals - certain minerals help lower blood pressure
- Calcium - studies show that calcium may be malabsorbed and deficient in people with hypertension; studies associate lowered calcium intake with high blood pressure
- Magnesium - many studies show that this mineral relaxes body tissues and the muscles around the arteries, to allow blood to flow properly and healthily; magnesium also works on the heart to normalise heart rhythm and heart beat
- Potassium - if sodium levels are elevated, blood pressure can increase, whereas potassium has the opposite effect by lowering and normalising blood pressure levels; increase intake of foods high in potassium such as fruits (especially bananas), vegetables
- Nutrients - there sre specific nutients that can help lower blood pressure, some of which have much scientific backing
- Carnitine - this amino-acid like substance has beneficial effects on the heart and can lower blood pressure
- CoenzymeQ10 - this substance exists in the heart and is necessary for the body to use energy properly
- Fish oil - current research shows that the DHA and EPA in fish oil not only lowers blood triglycerides but also decreases factors which increase blood pressure
- Lecithin - studies show this vital nutrient could be deficient or not absorbed and metabolised properly in people with high blood pressure; increase foods high in lecithin - soy, eggs, beans and liver
- Lipoic acid - studies show lipoic acid, an antioxidant nutrient prevents high blood pressure, other studies show that lipoic acid decreases high blood pressure in people with salt-sensitivity hypertension
- Taurine - studies show taurine lowers existing high blood pressure and may prevevent blood pressure from becoming high in the first place
- Methionine - studies show that methionine, an antioxidant amino acid lowers blood pressure and may prevent it from getting too high the first place; eat foods high in methionine - meats, beans, soy and soy products, vegetables, fruits, nuts
- Vitamins - some vitamins may assist in lowering blood pressure
- Folic acid - various studies show that folic acid lowers high blood pressure and reduces stiffness of the arteries and keeps them more flexible; incorporate more foods rich in folic acid in the diet - leafy gree vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, kale
- Vitamin B3 - studies show that niacin is a vasodilator (opens up blood vessels) which promotes normalised blood pressure
- Vitamin B6 - studies show that this vitamin is associated with lowered clotting associated with heart disease and may also lower blood pressure
- Vitamin B12 - studies show that this vitamin is also associated with lowered clotting associated with heart disease and may also lower blood pressure
- Vitamin C - studies show that this vitamin plays a role promoting a healthy heart and normal blood pressure levels; increase food high in vitamin C
- Vitamin D - studies show vitamin D plays a role in regulation of blood pressure and associate lowered vitamin D intake with high blood pressure levels
- Vitamin E - studies show this vitamin thins the blood, prevents clots and lowers blood pressure
Important high blood pressure facts
- Some people who experience high blood preessure do so from unknown reasons (essential hypertension)
- High blood pressure is know as the "silent killer" as it often presents with no symptoms prior to a person having a heart attack or stroke
- High blood pressure leads to a higher risk for developing heart disease, stroke and kidney disease
Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 21 August 2007
Related Articles
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To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Australian Heart Foundation
- American Heart Association
- Blood Pressure Association of the UK
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (USA)
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
