Natural Approach to Hypertension This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to: Frankp@chiro.org
FROM: Alternative Medicine Review 2001 (Dec); 6 (6): 590–600 ~ FULL TEXT
You may also want to review our: Chiropractic and Hypertension Page
By Farhang Khosh, ND, Mehdi Khosh, NDIntroduction
Hypertension is one of the leading causes of disability or death, due to stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. Expenses related directly or indirectly to the treatment and detection of hypertension in the United States are approximately $10 billion yearly. Heart disease and stroke remain the first and third leading causes of death, respectively, in the United States. Despite the importance of these observations, for many people blood pressure is poorly controlled. [1]
An estimated 50 million American adults (25 percent of all adults) have high blood pressure, but only 68 percent are aware of their condition, and only 27 percent have it under control. [2] Each year, two million new cases of hypertension are diagnosed. [3] The risk of hypertension increases with age in both men and women. [4] Before age 55, more men than women have hypertension; the reverse is true for those over the age of 55. African Americans have significantly more risk of developing high blood pressure then Caucasians and Mexican Americans.
There are two types of high blood pressure: essential (primary) hypertension and secondary hypertension. Essential hypertension does not have a readily identifiable cause, and is the most common type of hypertension, accounting for 90 percent of all cases of high blood pressure. Genetics play a major role in essential hypertension. In the case of secondary hypertension, the cause can be identified and is usually treatable or reversible.
Optimal blood pressure (BP) is 120/80 mm Hg or less. [5] The systolic pressure measures the force that blood exerts on the artery walls as the heart contracts to pump blood, while the diastolic pressure measures the force when the heart relaxes to allow blood flow into the heart.
Table 1 outlines the conventional guidelines for drug therapy. [6] Beta-blockers, diuretics, or both are usually the first line of treatment for most physicians. [7]
Dietary Approaches to HypertensionA diet low in saturated fat and high in complex carbohydrate is recommended. Such a diet includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, fish, soy products, onions, garlic, foods rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium (carrots, spinach, celery, alfalfa, mushrooms, lima beans, potatoes, avocados, broccoli, and most fruits), and restricts salt.
Subjects (n=133) were enrolled in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) trial in order to determine the effect of diet on blood pressure. Systolic blood pressures of participants ranged from 140-159 mm Hg, while diastolic BPs were 90-95 mm Hg. Subjects ate a control diet for three weeks before being randomized to receive either a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, that same diet but with elimination of red meat, sugar, and reduced in fats, or a control diet for another eight weeks. The low-fat, low-sugar diet rich in fruits and vegetables significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic BP. While the fruits-and-vegetables diet also significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures, the combination diet produced greater BP-lowering effects; changes were evident within two weeks of starting the diet. By the end of the eight-week trial, 70 percent of participants eating the combination diet had a systolic BP less than 140 mm Hg and diastolic BP less than 90 mm Hg, compared with 45 percent on the diet rich in fruits and vegetables and 23 percent on the control diet. [8]
Lifestyle ChangesMore than one-third of the adult population of the United States is obese, [9] presenting a significant risk factor for hypertension. Many studies have shown obese hypertensive patients can reduce their medication with weight loss. A sedentary individual has a 35-percent greater risk of developing hypertension than does an athlete. [6]
One study found insufficient sleep can contribute to increased blood pressure in hypertensives. The researchers theorized this may be due to increased sympathetic nervous activity during the night. [10]
Stress management and relaxation techniques such as meditation can help in controlling high blood pressure. In one study researchers found nearly 70 percent of patients with mild to moderate hypertension using techniques to reduce stress were able to reduce their medication after six weeks; after one year, 55 percent required no medication. [11]
Specific Nutrient SupplementationMinerals: Potassium and Magnesium
Potassium is one of the most important minerals for hypertension. It is well documented that a diet low in potassium and high in sodium is associated with hypertension. [12-17]
There have been several studies indicating magnesium (Mg) may help to lower blood pressure and even prevent hypertension. Its hypotensive effect is thought to be due to relaxation of the smooth muscles of the blood vessels. A recent study demonstrated magnesium supplementation prevented blood pressure elevation in hypertensive rats. Magnesium's mechanism of action was theorized to be associated with inhibition of platelet calcium uptake and decrease in intracellular free calcium concentrations. [18] In another study, researchers showed that taking magnesium in amounts as low as 365 mg per day with beta blockers can significantly reduce blood pressure compared to taking beta blockers alone. [19]
In a double-blind cross-over study of magnesium in hypertension, 17 subjects (diastolic BPs > 90 mm Hg) were supplemented with 15 mM Mg daily for three weeks, 30 mM Mg for another three weeks, and ending with 40 mM Mg for a final three weeks. Statistically significant decreases in average systolic and diastolic BPs were noted. [20]
Coenzyme Q10
Studies have clearly shown the potential benefit of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. [21-25] In one study, 109 patients with essential hypertension were supplemented with CoQ10 at an average oral dose of 225 mg/day in addition to their existing antihypertensive drug regimen. Eighty percent of patients in the study had been diagnosed with hypertension for an average of 9.2 years. Dosage was dependant on blood levels of CoQ10, the objective being to maintain blood levels of greater than 2.0 mcg/mL. Patients were gradually able to decrease antihypertensive drug therapy during the first one to six months. Fifty-one percent of patients were able to completely discontinue between one and three antihypertensive drugs an average of 4.4 months after starting CoQ10. [26]
In addition to normalizing blood pressure, another study found that CoQ10 may also be effective in reducing total cholesterol. In this study 26 hypertensives were supplemented with CoQ10 at a dose of 50 mg twice daily for 10 weeks. Plasma CoQ10, serum total and HDL cholesterol, and blood pressure were determined in all patients before and at the end of the 10-week period. At the end of the treatment, systolic blood pressure decreased from an average of 164 mm Hg to 146 mmHg, while diastolic blood pressure decreased from an average of 98 mm Hg to 86 mm Hg. Average serum total cholesterol decreased slightly, from 222 mg/dL to 213 mg/dL, while there was no significant change in HDL levels. [27] Long term studies on safety of CoQ10 have shown it to be a safe supplement. [22] It may take as long as 4-12 weeks to note significant results.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids can lower blood pressure. [28] Recent research suggests that the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), directly modulates intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells, resulting in a vasodilation effect and lowering of blood pressure. [29-31]
Sixteen mild essential hypertensive male outpatients and 16 normotensive male controls were randomly assigned to receive either EPA and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) (2.04 g EPA and 1.4 g DHA) or olive oil (4 g/day) as a placebo for a period of four months. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on blood pressure in the treatment group was maximized after two months with systolic BP decreasing an average of 6 mm Hg, (p<0.05) and diastolic blood pressure down an average of 5 mm Hg, (p<0.05). [32] Omega-3 oils are also effective in lowering triglycerides and LDLs, and increasing HDLs.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 935 patients with hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension, researchers found omega-3 oil supplementation resulted in significant reductions in total cholesterol and blood pressure and significant increase in HDL (an overall mean rise of 7.4 percent). [33] In addition, omega-3 oils can prevent primary or secondary coronary heart disease. [34-37]
Amino Acids: L-Arginine and Taurine
L-arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide (endothelial-derived relaxing factor) which dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Several studies have shown that inhibiting the synthesis of nitric oxide in animal models results in hypertension. [38]
Dietary L-arginine supplementation has been proposed to reverse endothelial dysfunction in certain conditions, including hypercholesterolemia, coronary heart disease, and some forms of animal hypertension. Chronic oral administration of L-arginine prevented the blood pressure rise induced by sodium chloride loading in salt-sensitive rats. [39]
A single-blind, controlled, crossover dietary intervention was conducted on six healthy subjects in order to assess the effects of an L-arginine enriched diet on blood pressure. The subjects randomly received three different diets, each for a period of one week: (1) a control; (2) a natural foods diet enriched with L-arginine; or (3) a diet identical to the control diet with the addition of L-arginine supplementation. A decrease in BP was observed with both L-arginine-enriched diets. In addition, creatinine clearance was improved and fasting blood sugar decreased by the addition of L-arginine. [39]
Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, has been reported to have antihypertensive and sympatholytic activity. [40] Nineteen patients with borderline hypertension were supplemented with 6 g taurine daily for seven days in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Systolic BP in the 10 taurine-treated patients decreased an average of 9 mm Hg compared with a 2 mm Hg decrease in the nine patients treated with placebo; diastolic BP in the taurine-treated patients decreased an average of 4 mm Hg compared with 1 mm Hg in the placebo-treated subjects. Taurine supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in plasma epinephrine but not norepinephrine levels. Individuals with hypertension tend to have higher epinephrine compared to people with normal blood pressure. [41] Research shows taurine relaxes blood vessels by enhancing endorphin production, resulting in lowered blood pressure. [42,43]
Vitamins C and E
Vitamins C and E may both play a beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. Vitamin C has the potential to impact defective endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Although the mechanism has not been fully elucidated, it is believed that ascorbic acid functions as an antioxidant to either enhance the synthesis or prevent the breakdown of nitric oxide. [44] A 1999 Lancet randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that treatment of hypertensive patients with vitamin C lowered blood pressure. Thirty-nine patients received either ascorbic acid (n=19) or placebo (n=20) in a one-time dose of 2 g, followed by 500 mg daily for 30 days. Mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 155 mm Hg to 142 mm Hg (p<0.001) after 30 days in the ascorbate group, while placebo had no effect. Mean diastolic BP decreased in the ascorbate group after one month but was not significantly different than placebo. There was no significant effect in blood pressure after the initial 2 g dose. [45]
Vitamin E has also been found to increase nitric oxide synthase activity, resulting in lowered blood pressure in hypertensive patients. An animal study found that for all alpha-tocopherol-treated groups, blood pressure was significantly reduced compared to a hypertensive control group; maximum reduction of blood pressure was achieved at a dosage of 34 mg alpha-tocopherol/kg diet. [46] Table 2 summarizes some of the important nutrients for hypertension.
ConclusionLifestyle change, including diet, exercise, and stress management, may contribute significantly to lowering of blood pressure. Supplements such as potassium, magnesium, CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids L-arginine and taurine, and vitamins C and E have been effectively used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension. Botanicals have been used for centuries to treat various diseases including cardiovascular disorders. It is no surprise they have proven effective in lowering blood pressure and improving heart function. Among the most researched and frequently utilized for hypertension are hawthorne, Terminalia arjuna, olive leaf, European mistletoe, yarrow, black cumin seeds, forskolin, Indian snakeroot, and garlic. More research is indicated to determine the full potential that alternative medicine has to offer in the management of hypertension. With the increasing numbers of patients suffering from hypertension and conventional medicine failing to effectively control the problem, alternative therapies offer hope.
Return to BLOOD PRESSURE
Return to STRESS AND NUTRITION
Return to CHIROPRACTIC AND STRESS
Since 7-10-2002
| Home Page | Visit Our Sponsors | Become a Sponsor |
Please read our DISCLAIMER |