Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition representing a major health burdon on society. Blood pressure is measured by a health practitioner with the use of a sphygmomanometer blood pressure cuff. At rest, elevated blood pressure is indicated when the systolic blood pressure is >140mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure is >90mmHg. More than one measurement is required, on different occasions, to diagnose hypertension. The risk factors for developing hypertension are excess alcohol consumption, being overweight or obese, smoking cigarettes, stress, inactivity, and poor nutrition. Hypertension has been recognised as a major risk factor for renal disease and cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation. These diseases are associated with the majority of all deaths.
Symptoms
- Unfortunately, hypertension is mainly asymptomatic and most people are unaware of the problem
- Headaches may occur, typically early morning throbbing
*It is recommended that you get your blood pressure checked regularly, by your healthcare practitioner.
Causes
90-95% of hypertension is a result of no major underlying cause, called essential or primary hypertension. Secondary hypertension, representing 5-10% of cases, is associated with a recognisable cause. These causes requiring further investigation include: renal dysfunction, coarctation of the aorta, endocrine disturbances, drugs, and pregnancy. Overall, the risk of high blood pressure increases with age.
Treatments
Blood pressure lowering agents are important to keep blood pressure within an acceptable range, which usually means taking one or more medications long-term. The overall goal of treatment is to improve the long-term survival and quality of life. Once the commencement of treatment begins, this usually means that you will need to continue to take the medication thereafter.
Over time, there has been a number of pharmaceuticals developed to lower blood pressure, targeting many physiological processes within the body. Each drug class represents a therapeutic angle at lowering blood pressure. The persistence of hypertension may necessitate the introduction of further drugs to keep your blood pressure within acceptable limits. The following are the classes of currently available antihypertensives:
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: eg. enalapril, captopril
- Calcium channel blockers: eg. nifedipine, verapamil
- Diuretic: eg. chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide
- Beta-blocker: eg. atenolol, metoprolol
- Alpha antagonist: eg. prazosin, terazosin
Natural Therapies
Before taking medication, it is important to address the risk factors of cardiovascular disease in an effort to naturally reduce your blood pressure within normal limits. This includes weight management, reducing alcohol intake, reducing smoking, reducing sodium intake, increasing exercise, reducing stress, and importantly improving nutrition. Working towards this may delay the need to start pharmacological treatment.
There is strong evidence that improving nutrition may improve hypertension. Eating foods low in fat and low in salt is important to reduce the effect of these substances from contributing to high blood pressure. Lean meats and green leafy vegetables are recommended. Omega-3 fatty acids, present in fish oils, have been strongly linked to lowering blood pressure in people with hypertension. There is also good evidence to suggest that Coenzyme Q-10 may also lower blood pressure. Stress relieving activities such as yoga are also highly recommended.
Products
Please click here
Endnotes
Ueshima, H., et al. (2007). Food omega-3 fatty acid intake of individuals (total, linolenic acid, long-chain) and their blood pressure. INTERMAP Study. Hypertension 50(2):313-9.
