Recommendations for High Blood Pressure

Q : I have high blood pressure what do you recommend ?

A : Blood pressure – the force that circulating blood exerts against the walls of arteries – that is too high can cause arteries to narrow, which can lead to arteriosclerosis, heart attack, kidney disease, memory loss and stroke. Heart disease is the number one killer in Ireland and more emphasis needs to be placed on prevention !

It is not certain exactly what causes primary high blood pressure, however, in some there may be a genetic tendency, but also lifestyle, diet, smoking, alcohol use, excessive caffeine and salt intake and lack of exercise all contribute. Certain medications, such as the birth control pill can elevate blood pressure as can pregnancy.

Patients with high blood pressure are urged to lose weight, exercise, and cut salt consumption. If these measures do not work drug intervention often results. Clinical researchers have found that some herbal treatments lower blood pressure and have been found to be helpful where sufferers have ‘borderline’ cases.

The following herbs can offer support: Bilberry, Hawthorn, and Garlic.

Supplements Vitamin C, E, Magnesium, Flaxseed oil and Coenzyme Q10 are also beneficial.

Diet: eliminate salt, sugar, avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking. Eliminate animal fats while increasing vegetable oils such as flax seed oil, olive oil. Increase your consumption of celery, garlic and onions. Encourage a high-potassium diet rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, wholesome grains, fruit.

Healthy lifestyle: do more exercise and use stress reducing techniques.

I normally encourage patients to have blood tests to measure triglycerides, total cholesterol plus HDL & LDL (good and bad cholesterol), homocysteine and C-reactive protein. This will give both patient and practitioner an idea about risks for coronary artery disease and provides a base line for monitoring progress. Often an integrated approach is beneficial where the patient in question has access to both GP and Natural Practitioner.

For further information on high blood pressure or blood tests please visit ICIM Medics on www.icimmedics.com or tel. 045 844 819.