Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a silent killer, rarely producing obvious symptoms, but shortening the lives of millions. Disconcerting statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicate a huge epidemic: About one-third of Americans are unknowingly walking around right now with blood pressure high enough to shorten their lives. Blood pressure complications sent over 40 million Americans to the doctor last year. In addition, more than half of all nursing home residents suffer from blood pressure that’s too high.
Why High Blood Pressure Is Dangerous
When blood pressure climbs, it exerts undue force against artery walls, compelling the heart to pump more strenuously than normal to circulate blood throughout the body. Undiagnosed or untreated high blood pressure therefore puts you at risk of heart attack, heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, as well as other potentially life-threatening conditions.
Symptoms of Severe Hypertension
Without specific symptoms, hypertension is frequently detected too late, often only after your blood pressure has skyrocketed to a potentially lethal height. When blood pressure climbs this high, it can bring on debilitating headaches, fatigue, confusion, chest pain, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, blood in the urine, and pounding in your chest, neck, or ears.
The scariest thing about hypertension is that it often kills before its specific signs are recognized. This is why hypertension is labeled “The Silent Killer.”
How to Detect Hypertension Early
Hypertension is difficult to diagnose without actually measuring your blood pressure regularly. What’s more, it can strike just about anyone. Getting a handle on early warning signs by knowing your risk factors can help you head off hypertension before it threatens your life.
Genetic and Demographic Risk Factors
- Genetics: High blood pressure can be inherited.
- Ethnicity: African Americans and Native Americans are at higher risk.
- Gender: Men are more likely at younger ages, but after 65 women are at greater risk.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
Overweight and Obesity
If you are overweight or obese, you are at very high risk of hypertension. Losing weight can lower your systolic blood pressure (the top number) by about five points per 10 pounds of weight loss.
High Salt Consumption
A high salt diet puts you at high risk for hypertension. Reducing processed foods lowers blood pressure naturally.
Alcohol Consumption
More than three alcoholic drinks per day raises blood pressure. Cutting back lowers your risk.
Smoking
Smoking temporarily elevates systolic blood pressure and greatly increases long-term risk.
Poor Diet
High calories, trans fats, and sugars drive hypertension. Vitamin D deficiency and high fructose intake also raise risk.
Lack of Exercise
A sedentary lifestyle increases risk of obesity and hypertension. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent and reverse this disease.
Stress
Chronic anger, anxiety, and suppressed emotions increase the likelihood of hypertension.
Natural Supplements to Lower Blood Pressure
- Fish Oil (Omega-3s): at 3-4 grams daily, omega-3s can reduce systolic pressure by 8 mmHg and diastolic by 5 mmHg, while improving heart health.
- Amino-Flo for Nitric Oxide Support: contains Citrulline, Arginine, Proline, and Lysine to boost nitric oxide, improve vessel health, and reduce plaque buildup.
- Vascular Support BP: a blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbs that target multiple pathways. Includes Hawthorn and Grape Seed Extract for nitric oxide production.
- Polyphenols: resveratrol, quercetin, flavonoids, dark chocolate, and red wine support blood pressure health and reduce inflammation.
- Taurine: supports heart function and lowers blood pressure.
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid: improves nitric oxide function and reduces hypertension.
Take Control of Your Blood Pressure
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and would like to discover your natural alternatives to treating this condition, get a FREE Consultation with one of our doctors (D.C) here.
