HYPERTENSION
HYPERTENSION – WHAT IS IT ANYWAY?
Hypertension, in short, is high blood pressure, distinguished by a systolic pressure reading of 140 or more, and a diastolic pressure of 80 or more. Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels. Systolic blood pressure is the measure of the pressure against the walls of the blood vessels when the heart is pumping blood to the organs. Diastolic pressure is the pressure against the walls of the blood vessels when the heart is at rest between beats. Having high blood pressure is a very serious matter and the correct steps should be taken by the individual to help themselves by way of their diet and exercise plan. Causes of hypertension include toxicity, obesity, stress, genetics, diet, hyperinsulinaemia and high uric acid.
More than half of hypertension in Australia is untreated.
Regulation of blood pressure is essential to health!
The heart, blood vessels and kidney control the pressure within the blood vessels. The heart alters the cardiac output, the input of new blood into the pressure system. The blood vessels can alter blood and vessel characteristics, therefore changing the resistance. Through urine volume, the kidneys can change the blood volume.
The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) also has the ability to alter blood pressure as it can influence the tissues involved in the regulation of blood pressure. An increase in activation of the SNS may be caused by sleep apnoea, genetic factors, stress and anxiety, hypoglycaemia, obesity, dietary salt sensitivity, stroke and consumption of alcohol.
Hypertension can lead to heart attack, heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. This is due to stress to blood vessels which instigates a surge of pathological vascular reactions such as inflammation which leads to atherosclerosis, a deficiency of nitric oxide and vasoconstriction. These changes not only occur in the arteries, but also the brain, retina and kidneys. Effects of hypertension on these organs include a reduced oxygen flow and supply, reduced blood flow, and in the brain only, a high pressure in cerebral capillaries.
To correctly determine hypertension, the individual must be in a state of relaxation for 5 minutes with the right arm supported at heart level. Two blood pressure readings are then taken and recorded. Should both of the readings measure over 140/90mmHg, the individual is then classed as clinically hypertensive. The individual will be assessed by the health practitioner to determine their level of risk for organ damage (brain, heart, arteries, kidneys and retina), a stroke or heart attack. The individual’s lifestyle will also be assessed. This includes looking at the everyday diet including the amount and type of food ingested, sodium intake, whether the individual smokes or drinks, the amount of exercised performed and any stress the individual may be feeling. Preventative action to address underlying causes should be taken early to inhibit the chance of blood pressure increase.
Exercise such as 20-30 minutes of aerobic activity (eg moderate walking) must be undertaken 4-5 times a week. Yoga or tai chi are also of great benefit, as not only are they a form of exercise, they are a marvellous reducer of stress. Stress can also be managed with meditation. An adrenal function test may be utilised to determine the stage of stress related adrenal dysfunction. This test is a method of determining the amount of diurnal cortisol and the DHEA-S rhythm within the body. Stress can also be helped via taking supplements of the B Group Vitamins as well as a number of Herbal remedies including Passionflower, Pueraria, Honokiol and Magnolia.
It is important that the nutrition of the individual is high in fresh fruit and vegetables, provides a good source of calcium and protein and is low in fat and sodium. In the case of an obese/overweight or insulin resistant individual, they may be required to follow Stoneage Nutrition even more strictly, which will provide restoration of insulin sensitivity and safe and efficient fat loss. By having a nutrition of reduced amounts of low glycaemic index carbohydrates and proccessed foods the body reduces serum insulin levels and burns fat quickly and effectively. This, as well as eating good fats and sufficient protein levels will allow fat stores to be accessed as fuel for energy production, as well as lowering insulin levels. Half of hypertensive patients have insulin resistance. This is a vicious cycle. These individuals have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
A Body Mass Index of 25 or over is classified as overweight. This is for men and women, who, if they also have a body fat percentage greater than 20% (men) and greater than 30% (women) are grouped in the overweight category. This can contribute to hypertension.
A waist circumference of over 102cm for men and 88cm for women is a gauge of visceral obesity and insulin resistance, both common causes of hypertension. To combat this, the individual must take Selenium and the antioxidant Vitamin E, Lipoic Acid which assists in preventing an elevated blood sugar, B Vitamins, Chromium, Cinnamon, Caiapo, and Panax Ginseng which improve LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. Coenzyme Q10 enhances cardiac function and reduces blood pressure, whilst fatty acids in fish oil such as in DHA Liquid raise HDL, restrain the progression of atherosclerosis, reduce triglyceride levels and lower blood pressure. It has also been found that Magnesium provides a source of positive attributes to the body by reducing excessive nerve activity of the Sympathetic system. The combination of Magnesium, Glycine and Taurine act as an antiinflammatory and improves cardiac function. For mild cases of hypertension, Bonito Peptides provide no side effects, but instead inhibit an angiotensin converting enzyme ACE. Healthy blood glucose support is essential.
Obesity is also a cause of sleep apnoea. Poor oxygenation results in shallow breathing, grunting, snoring, restlessness, irritability and disturbed sleep patterns. Individuals must get themselves into a nightly routine when retiring to bed, but most importantly, lose weight, as studies have shown that this can improve sleep apnoea. The kidneys are related with sleep apnoea and hypertension, therefore it is beneficial to balance the kidneys. A mixture of the following vitamins and herbs will successfully restore the kidneys to function correctly: Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin B6, Cornsilk, Buchu, Aspartate and Quercetin.
Toxins, particularly lead also play a role in hypertension. High blood lead levels can lead to hypertension, as can mercury in amalgam fillings, dioxin and cigarette smoking. It is, therefore in the individual’s best interest to detoxify their body. Lipoic Acid, Nosode and Liquid Zinc
should be made use of during this detoxification period.
High uric acid is another factor which contributes to hypertension, as it is connected to the advancement of kidney dysfunction. Causes of high uric acid levels include seafood, red meat, adiposity, lead, excessive alcohol consumption, low oestrogen and purine rich foods. High doses of the supplements Quercetin, Folic Acid, and antioxidants Green Tea, Grape Seed, Milk Thistle, Calcium Ascorbate, Carotenoids and Alpha-Tocopherol help regular metabolic function and detoxification.
People wishing to alter their lifestyle must understand what ingredients they must look out for on the labels of foods and to avoid them. Salt intake must be kept to a minimum. Salt can be labelled as sodium, sodium chloride, or simply salt. Those foods that are marked reduced salt must also be checked, because they may have less salt than the original food, but it can still be a high quantity. It is advisable to limit yourself to around two teaspoons of salt per day. This includes hidden salt in foods, not only the table salt that you may add to your cooking or meals.
Added sugars or sweeteners should be avoided. These sugars are found in fizzy and fruit drinks, lollies, cereals, basically anything that has been sweetened. These are not naturally occurring sugars. Studies have shown that sugars decrease antioxidant protection and cause stress.
To maintain their present and future health, individuals should live a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise programs and a nutritious beneficial diet.
Hypertension & Cardiovascular ProblemsWorldwide Killer No.1
CONVENTIONAL BLOOD PRESSURE TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Category | SBP | DBP | Lifestyle Changes | Initial Drug Therapy |
| Optimal | < 120 | < 80 | Encourage | No anti hypertensive drug indicated |
| Pre-HTN | 120 – 139 | 80 – 89 | Yes | Anti hypertensive drug indicated only if compelling indications present* |
| Stage I | 140 – 159 | 90 – 99 | Yes | One anti hypertensive drug; May consider multiple drugs |
| Stage II | 160 or> | 100 or> | Yes | Two anti hypertensive drugs for most patients |
*Heart failure, post myocardial infarction, high coronary disease risk, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, recurrent stroke
CATEGORIES FOR ACUTE TREATMENT LOW RISK: Pre-hypertension: 120 – 139 / 80 – 89 |
| MODERATE RISK: Stage I Hypertension: 140 – 159 / 90 – 99 |
HIGH RISK: Stage II Hypertension: 160 or higher / 100 or higher Isolated Systolic Hypertension: 140 or higher / 90 or less § Previous heart attack/stroke § Diabetes § Chronically elevated BP (over 10 years) § Elderly |
