Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension

(High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, affects approximately 50 million Americans. This condition occurs when blood travels through the arteries of the body at a dangerously high pressure, putting strain on major organs of the body such as the heart, kidneys and brain. Blood pressure is expressed as two values given in units of millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The blood pressure of a resting, healthy young adult should be 120/80. In general, a person is considered to have hypertension when their blood pressure is persistently higher than 140/90 at rest. Hypertension occurs most often among men of African American descent.

How does hypertension develop?

Primary hypertension, which accounts for about 90 percent of all cases of hypertension, has no obvious single cause and may possibly have more than one cause. When the cause of hypertension is known, it is referred to as secondary hypertension. In five to 10 percent of the individuals with secondary hypertension, the cause is kidney disease. In 1 to 2 percent, the cause is a condition such as a hormonal disorder or the use of certain drugs such as oral contraceptives. Lifestyle and genetic factors may also contribute. Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, stress and excessive amounts of alcohol or salt in food all play a role in the development of high blood pressure. Thick blood, food allergies and magnesium and calcium defficiency can also play a role.

Blood pressure typically increases temporarily when someone is under stress, but returns to normal once the stress is over. Hypertension is most common among middle aged and elderly people as their arteries become more rigid with age.

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

High blood pressure typically has no symptoms, although there are many coincidental symptoms that are widely believed to be associated with high blood pressure. These include headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, a flushed face and fatigue. Although people with high blood pressure may have many of these symptoms, they occur just as frequently in those with normal blood pressure. If a person has high blood pressure that is severe or longstanding and left untreated, symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, restlessness, and blurred vision can occur as a result of damage to the brain, eyes, heart and kidneys. In rare cases, high blood pressure may cause brain swelling, which can lead to drowsiness and coma.

Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of hypertension, but they do not address the root of the problem. By addressing imbalances in the body, such as blood insulin levels, and making changes in diet and lifestyle, as natural medicine treatments do, hypertension may be resolved.

Discover why we believe that natural treatments are the best way to treat hypertension.

Natural vs Modern Medicine's Approach to Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Modern Medicine's Approach to Hypertension

Calcium channel blockers are the typical modern medical treatment approach to lower blood pressure. Additional medications used may include diuretics, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or alpha blockers. Medications such as hydralazine, minoxidil, diazoxide or nitroprusside may be prescribed if the individual’s blood pressure is dangerously high. Unfortunately many of these medications have serious side effects. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise and dietary changes may also be suggested to lower blood pressure. However, although medications and lifestyle changes may decrease blood pressure, they are not the best treatment option because they fail to address the key consideration: what’s at the root of the problem.

The Natural Approach to Hypertension

The natural approach to health issues is always to determine the root cause of the condition. In the case of hypertension, blood insulin levels are often too high. In fact, many patients with hypertension also suffer from adult-onset diabetes. Thick blood, which can explain why the heart has to exert more pressure to push the blood through the body, excess weight, stress, food allergies and nutritional deficiencies may also contribute to a patient’s high blood pressure.

An extensive series of tests is performed to examine the patient’s entire system and pinpoint the factors involved in the hypertension. These tests include blood chemistry, nutritional analysis, magnesium and potassium levels, hormones and glucose insulin tolerance. In addition, food allergy testing and a platelet aggregation test to test for blood thickness are also done. Test results will determine changes in diet as well as the natural supplements such as magnesium or natural hormones needed to treat the hypertension. In most cases, glucose intolerance is a major factor in the hypertension. In addition, the patient is encouraged to assess the stressful areas in his or her life and determine which can realistically be minimized or even avoided.

Following a natural medicine approach has been a successful alternative for many individuals with hypertension. In fact, 80 to 90 percent of hypertension patients can be weaned off calcium channel blockers or adult-onset diabetes medication when following the natural approach outlined above.

If you are interested in more information about natural treatments or to schedule an appointment, please contact Central Health and Wellness at 817-649-9800 or use the online Inquiry Form

Disclaimer: The preceding is to provide information about relief and the benefits that may be derived. It is not intended to claim a cure for any disease or condition. It should not take the place of your doctor’s.

Dr. Lane Chiro
Central Health and Wellness

Hypertension

(High Blood Pressure)

GET IN TOUCH