Hypertension is a condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. Hypertension is classified as either "primary" or "secondary." Primary hypertension has no known specific cause and tends to develop gradually, whereas secondary hypertension can arise more suddenly from known conditions like kidney disease, defects in the arteries and sleep apnea. Both types can lead to heart attack, heart failure and strokes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Exercise, salt reduction, and other lifestyle changes can help, as can prescription medicines. Supplements and herbal remedies may also be beneficial, but because hypertension is a dangerous condition, work with your doctor to ensure it is under control.
Hawthorn
An herbal remedy made from the the flower, leaves and fruit of the hawthorn plant has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as a digestive aid. Today, hawthorn is primarily used for cardiovascular problems, according to the Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Hawthorn promotes the dilation of smooth muscle in the coronary vessels, which helps to increase blood flow. A research study published in the journal "Phytomedicine" found that chronic congestive heart failure patients who took hawthorn extracts experienced a rise in working capacity and a drop in blood pressure. Patients given a placebo instead did not show similar improvements. Like any herb, hawthorn has the potential to interact with medications and other supplements. Consult a qualified health care professional before using it to treat hypertension or any other condition.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, often abbreviated as CoQ10, is so ubiquitous in nature that it is also called "ubiquinone." CoQ10's primary function is to generate energy in cells. It is also an antioxidant, which is a substance that protects against free radical damage to cells. Patients with hypertension have lower serum levels of CoQ10. According to an article by Dr. Richard Nahas of the Seekers Centre for Integrative Medicine in Ottawa, a meta-analysis of several clinical trials concluded that CoQ10 can lower blood pressure. No serious side effects are associated with CoQ10, but it can occasionally cause mild gastrointestinal upset. More studies are needed to determine whether this supplement is safe for long-term use.
Vitamin D
Dr. Nahas reports in his meta-analysis that people with low levels of vitamin D in their blood serum are also at greater risk of hypertension. Vitamin D is not naturally present in many food sources. Instead, it is produced by the body when sunlight strikes the skin. Hypertension is more common in countries that get less sunshine. It is also more common in the winter than in the summer. Treatment of vitamin D deficiency has been shown to lower blood pressure. Nahas advises that physicians test their patients with hypertension for vitamin D deficiencies. When you choose a supplement, look for ones that specify vitamin D3. According to the National Institutes of Health, evidence suggests that vitamin D3 is better at raising blood concentrations of vitamin D than vitamin D2, another form used in supplements. Consult a health care professional about whether vitamin D supplements would be helpful for your blood pressure.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tips to Control High Blood Pressure
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Hawthorn
- PubMed Central: Canadian Family Physician -- Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches to Blood Pressure Reduction
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
