Your blood provides important information regarding your cardiovascular health. The first number in a blood pressure reading refers to your systolic pressure, while the second number reflects your diastolic pressure. Diet may play a role in blood pressure. Some nutrients, such as niacin, can affect your blood pressure, making it important to seek your doctor's advice before taking this supplement, especially if you have a medical condition that affects your cardiovascular health.
Blood Pressure
Your systolic reading signifies the amount of pressure on artery walls when your heart contracts. The diastolic number corresponds with the amount of pressure between each beat. A healthy blood pressure reading for adults is below 120/80 mm Hg, although very low readings may cause problems and can indicate the presence of an underlying disease. Medications, diet, stress and physical activities can affect your blood pressure. Blood pressure changes normally occur throughout the day, with the lowest readings usually occurring at night.
Niacin
Niacin, also known as vitamin B-3, is an important factor in the production of sex and stress-related hormones. This nutrient plays a role in the health of your eyes, skin, hair and liver, as well as your nervous system. Like other water-soluble vitamins, your body does not store niacin. Most adults can obtain adequate amounts of niacin through a balanced diet that includes tuna, peanuts, beets, fish and sunflower seeds. Supplements may help guard against a nutritional deficiency, especially in alcoholics. The recommended amount of niacin for adult males is 16 mg per day and the amount for adult females is 14 mg per day. Niacin supplements may alter your blood pressure and can interact with blood pressure medications.
Hypotension Risks
Although niacin is not a standard medical treatment for managing high blood pressure, taking this supplement may lead to a lower blood pressure reading. This can present a safety concern for people with low blood pressure, or hypotension. Although blood pressure varies between individuals, a reading below 90/60 mm Hg is often low enough to cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as fainting, nausea, blurred vision, depression, fatigue and dizziness. Being over the age of 65, having a heart condition or diabetes, as well as taking blood pressure medications, such as alpha-blockers, can increase your risk of developing hypotension.
Precautions
Avoid taking niacin if you suffer from low blood pressure or if you take medication to treat high blood pressure. Taking niacin can result in an even lower blood pressure and may increase you risk of complications from hypotension, including heart and brain damage.
