High Blood Pressure

Tension or tonus that is greater than normal. A condition in which the patient has a higher blood pressure than that judged to be normal. There are no precise rules concerning what blood pressure reading is considered to represent hypertension. In general, if on several separate occasions the systolic pressure is above 140 mm. of Mercury or the diastolic above 90 mm. of Mercury, the person is considered to have elevated blood pressure. Normal systolic blood pressure is NOT 100 plus the individual's age. Coronary artery disease and cerebral vascular disease, the great causes of death and disability, are much more frequent in those who have elevated blood pressure than those who are normotensive. On the other hand, a patient's blood pressure may register high merely because of being excited when the pressure is taken. For this reason, it is advisable to take the pressure on several separate occasions to be certain that the true blood pressure is being obtained.

Causes

The primary factor in hypertension is an increase in peripheral resistance resulting from vasoconstriction or narrowing of peripheral blood vessels. The specific causes for this condition can be determined in only a small number of patients with hypertension. However, it is important to attempt to define the exact cause because, if the disease is due to certain pathological states, definitive and curative therapy can be instituted. High blood pressure and arteriosclerosis seem to run in families as an inherited tendency.

Hypertension is often precipitated by cigarette smoking, stress, obesity, excessive us of stimulants such as coffee or tea, drug abuse, high sodium intake, and use of contraceptives.

Symptoms

When the heart pumps the blood through the arteries, the blood presses against the walls of the blood vessels. Those who suffer from hypertension have abnormally high blood pressure. Arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis are common precursors of hypertension. Because the arteries are obstructed with cholesterol placque in atherosclerosis, circulation of blood through the vessels becomes difficult. When the arteries harden and constrict in arteriosclerosis, the blood is forced through a narrower passageway. As a result, blood pressure becomes elevated.

Hypertension is often without symptoms. Advanced warning signs include headache, sweating, rapid pulse, flushed complexion, shortness of breath, dizziness, and vision disturbances. Because hypertension often shows no signs, regular visits to the doctor to check blood pressure are important, especially for those individuals in high risk categories. Have your blood pressure checked every 4-6 months.

Treatment

Nutrients

Calcium, 1500-3000 mg. per day (calcium deficiency has been linked to high blood pressure). Magnesium, 750-1000 mg. per day. L-carnitine (amino acid), 500 mg. twice per day on an empty stomach, aids in preventing heart disease. Selenium, 200 mcg. per day (deficiency has been linked to heart disease). Coenzyme Q10, taken 100 mg. per day, improves heart function and lowers blood pressure. Garlic capsules, 2 capsules 3 times per day, helps lower blood pressure. Germanium, 90 mg. daily, improves tissue oxygenation. L-Glutamine plus L-glutamic acid (amino acid), 500 mg. per day, detoxifies ammonia and aids in preventing heart disease. Vitamin C, 3,000-6,000 mg. in divided doses per day, improves adrenal function and reduces blood-clotting tendencies. Lecithin, taken as directed on the label, emulsifies fat, improving liver function and lowering blood pressure. Vitamin E, 100 IU, adding 100 IU each month to 400 IU, improves heart function. Kelp tablets, 5 tablets per day, is a good source of minerals and natural iodine. Vitamin B complex, 100 mg. twice daily, is important to circulatory function and for lowering blood pressure.

Herbs

Angelica
Anise
Barberry
Betony, wood
Bitterroot
Boneset
Burdock
Caraway
Cayenne
Centaury
Chamomile
Chervil
Cleavers
Cloves
Cohosh, black
Corn silk
Cranberry, high
Dandelion
Dock, yellow, root
Dong quai
Fennel
Figwort
Garlic
Ginseng, Siberian
Goldenseal
Guelder rose
Haw, black
Hawthorn berries
Hyssop
Indian hemp, black
Ju Hua
Licorice
Life everlasting
Linden
Magnolia
Marshmallow
Meadowsweet
Milfoil
Mistletoe
Motherwort
Onion
Parsley
Peppermint
Plumbago
Primrose
Ragwort
Rosemary
Rue
Sassafras
Senna
Skullcap
Storksbill
Strawberry, leaves
Suma
Vervain, blue
Yarrow

Recommendations

A salt free diet is essential for lowering blood pressure. Lowering your salt intake is not good enough; eliminate all salt from your diet. Read all labels carefully and avoid those food products that have "soda," "sodium," or the symbol "Na" on the label. These indicate that the product contains salt.

Some foods and food additives that should be avoided on a low-salt diet include: Accent flavor-enhancer, (monosodium glutamate); baking soda; canned vegetables; commercially prepared foods; certain dentifrices and over-the-counter medications that contain ibuprofen, such as Advil and Nuprin; diet soft drinks; foods with mold inhibitors, preservatives, and most sugar substitutes; meat tenderizers; softened water; and soy sauce. These products can cause the cells to swell and interfere with the effectiveness of diuretics used in the treatment of hypertension.

A high fiber diet and supplemental fiber are recommended. Oat bran is a good source of fiber. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, asparagus, bananas, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, eggplant, garlic, grapefruit, green leafy vegetables, melons, peas, prunes, raisins, squash, and sweet potatoes. The following juices are recommended: beet, carrot and celery, currant, cranberry, citrus fruit, parsley, spinach, and watermelon. Include seeded foods like brown rice, buckwheat, millet and oats.

Avoid foods such as aged cheeses, aged meats, anchovies, avocados, chicken liver, chocolate, fava beans, pickled herring, sour cream, sherry and wine, and yogurt. Bacon, corned beef, pork, sausage, and smoked or processed meat are prohibited. Eat only white fish and skinless turkey or chicken. The diet must be low in fats; avoid all animal fats, gravies, and bouillons.

Keep your weight down. Regular moderate exercise is important to maintain proper circulation. Do not overexert yourself in hot or humid weather. Avoid excessive exercising and emotional stress.

Do not take phenylalanine (found in NutraSweet) or L-tyrosine. Avoid antihistamines unless under a doctor's direction. Take two tbsp. flaxseed oil per day.

Suggestions

Drink only steam-distilled water.
Be careful that you do not overexert yourself during sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse can be dangerous for the hypertensive patient. Tea suggested for high blood pressure:
Caraway (1 part)
Fennel (1 part)
Anise (1 part)
Milfoil (1 part)
Chamomile (2 parts)
Peppermint leaves (2 parts)
Steep 1 tsp. in 1/2 cup boiling water. Take 1 to 1 1/2 cups a day, in mouthful doses.

Definition