Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Why do I have hypertension? 

High blood pressure usually results from a decrease in the elasticity or a reduction in the interior diameter arteries (or both), which may be caused by caused by:

• Arteriosclerosis (thickening and stiffening of the arteries)
• Defects in sodium metabolism
• Stress
• Nutritional deficiencies 
• Enzyme imbalances

Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, disorders of the pituitary or adrenal glands and hereditary may be contributing factors.  

It was once thought that oral contraceptives increased the risk of heart disease in women. Now that pills contain much lower doses of oestrogen, it is thought that only certain high-risk people are in danger. 

Who is at risk?

You are considered to be at high risk if you 

• have diabetes
• smoke
• have already had a heart attack or stroke

By the time hypertension causes symptoms such as rapid pulse, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches and sweating, the disorder is more difficult to treat. 

Untreated hypertension is the leading cause of stroke and greatly increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure and kidney failure. 

How is hypertension normally treated?

There is a wide range of blood pressure-lowering medicines to choose from including those that relax your blood vessels, those that widen your arteries and those that make your heart beat more slowly. 

A combination is usually needed to treat high blood pressure most effectively and with the minimum side effects. In some cases, you may need to take blood pressure-lowering medication for the rest of your life. 

However, if your blood pressure levels stay under control for several years, your doctor might be able to reduce or stop your treatment. 

How does healthy nutrition help treat hypertension naturally? 

Since the large majority of people with high blood pressure are in the borderline-to-moderate range, most cases of high blood pressure can be brought under control through changes in diet and lifestyle. 

Are drugs bad for you?

Evidence also suggests that the drugs used to treat hypertension may do more harm than good and many people taking blood pressure-lowering medications (typically diuretics and beta blockers) actually suffer from unnecessary side effects, including fatigue, headaches, impotence and an increased risk of heart disease.

What lifestyle changes do I need to make?

High blood pressure is closely related to diet and lifestyle factors. Some of the important lifestyle factors that cause high blood pressure include coffee consumption, alcohol intake, lack of exercise, stress and smoking. Dietary factors include obesity, a low-fibre, high sugar diet, high saturated fats and low essential fatty acid intake, as well as nutrient deficiencies. 

An effective approach for managing high blood pressure and keeping your heart healthy includes:

• Following a whole food, fibre-rich anti-inflammatory diet, 
• Managing cholesterol levels,
• Avoiding excessive salt intake, 
• Maintaining a healthy weight, 
• Regular exercise, 
• Limiting alcohol consumption 
• Correcting nutritional deficiencies...

...as well as the appropriate use of natural supplements and home remedies.

Find out more about the Heart and Circulatory Health Program here