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Posts tagged ‘hypertension’
The second Nurses Health Study has identified six dietary habits that reduce high blood pressure in women by almost 80%.
The Nurses Health Study includes 83,882 adult women between the ages of 27 to 44 years-old. Researchers analyzed data to determine if there was a connection between a healthy lifestyle and high blood pressure prevention.
Here are the six diet and lifestyle factors researchers identified to decrease high blood pressure risk in women.
High blood pressure is a serious condition that requires treatment. Here are answers to five frequently asked questions you need to know.
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure equals the force pushing against your artery walls when your heart beats and when it rests. The systolic pressure is the force against artery walls when your heart beats (contracts), while the diastolic pressure is the pressure against your artery walls when the heart relaxes (between beats).
Continue reading ‘Lower Blood Pressure – Answers to 4 Frequently Asked Blood Pressure Questions’ »
Here’s another four questions with answers from my interview with Dr. Mark Houston in February 2010.
Lisa Nelson RD: If someone has been on blood pressure medication for many years and they take steps to lose weight and improve their diet is it likely they’ll be able to discontinue their medication or will they be on medications for life?
Dr. Houston: About a 60% of patients that follow the guidelines in the book that I wrote on What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Hypertension can stop meds over 6-12 months if they do everything correct as outlined.
Lisa Nelson RD: If someone is newly diagnosed with high blood pressure, how much time should be allowed if the individual prefers to make diet and lifestyle changes to lower the blood pressure before turning to medication?
Dr. Houston: I recommend getting the blood pressure down soon with both meds and lifestyle changes to protect the arteries and reduce cardiovascular disease based on some recent studies. Later on, if blood pressure is controlled then you can taper the medications.
Lisa Nelson RD: Do any of the over-the-counter meds for high blood pressure and high cholesterol work – or are they just snake oil ads?
Dr. Houston: There are some good supplements that work for blood pressure and cholesterol, but most over the counter are not good. The best source is BIOTICS RESEARCH at 1-800-231-5777. For blood pressure use VASCULOSIRT. Also for blood pressure is CARDIOSIRT BP (this one will be out in the spring). These will reduce blood pressure well along with the lifestyle changes recommended in the book above. The best for cholesterols is LIPIDSIRT. It can be used with the new niacin and red yeast rice from BIOTICS if needed. This may decrease cholesterol with the combination by 40-50%.
Lisa Nelson RD: How effective do you feel the supplements l-arginine, coQ10, and omega 3 are at preventing cardiac problems?
Dr. Houston: I would use omega 3 fatty acids in almost everyone to reduce heart attack, stroke, blood pressure, improve triglycerides and improve memory. The best omega 3 fatty acid on the market is EFA-SIRT SUPREME from BIOTICS research at 1800-231-5777. The CoQ10 is excellent as well. Doses of about 100 to 200 mg of a good quality CoQ10 will lower systolic blood pressure about 15 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure about 10 mm Hg in 50% of patients. The CoQ10 is in both the VASCULOSIRT AND THE CARDIOSIRT BP from BIOTICS at 1-800-231-5777.
Part 1 – Top Heart Health Questions Answered By Dr. Houston
Part 2- Top Heart Health Questions Answered By Dr. Houston
There will be one final part to this Q&A. Sign-up for the e-course 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure and you’ll also be notified when the final part is posted.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
http://www.lowerbloodpressurewithlisa.com
I had the opportunity to interview hypertension expert Dr. Mark Houston last month (February 2010). Here are three of the questions he answered.
Lisa Nelson RD: It is typically recommended that cholesterol medications be taken prior to bed. Would you explain the reason why? Also, is there a best time of day to take blood pressure medication?
Dr. Houston: Statins work best at night to inhibit an enzyme in the liver when cholesterol production is the highest. Blood pressure medications are best taken at night to reduce the early morning increase in blood pressure which is highest between 3 AM and 10AM.
Lisa Nelson RD: If you discontinue a blood pressure medication how long does it stay in your system?
Dr. Houston: It depends on the duration of action of the medication. Some of the longer acting medications may last for 24 to 72 hours. However most are gone in 24 hours or less. Never stop any blood pressure medication abruptly especially beta blockers and clonidine, as withdrawal may occur with rapid increases in blood pressure, heart rate, headache, chest pain, palpitations and even heart attack or stroke.
Lisa Nelson RD: When someone has uncontrolled systolic blood pressure (diastolic tends to be within normal) what are steps they can take to promote control of systolic blood pressure?
Dr. Houston: Low salt, high magnesium intake, high potassium intake, fruits and vegetables, exercise, weight loss. The best medications for Systolic blood pressure are ACEI, ARB and CCB. Diuretics and beta blockers are less effective. High systolic usually means stiff arteries.
I’ll be posting more of the Q&A with Dr. Houston over the next few weeks. Sign-up for the e-course 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure and you’ll also be notified when the new blog posts are added.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
http://www.lowerbloodpressurewithlisa.com
Are you ready to get answers to your most pressing heart health questions from a nationally known blood pressure expert and director of The Hypertension Institute?
Well, I’ve got great news! Dr. Mark Houston has agreed to answer your questions and I will be interviewing him later this month. I want to ask the questions you want answers to. Post your question as a comment to this post.
Here’s a little background information on Dr. Houston. He’s been practicing medicine since 1974 when he graduated from Vanderbilt Medical School. He went on to complete his medical internship and residency in California. He returned to Vanderbilt University Medical School and from 1978-1990 performed many roles including Medical Director and Associate Professor of Medicine.
Dr. Houston is triple board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Society of Hypertension, and the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. In addition to his medical background he also obtained a masters degree in clinical human nutrition in 2003. In 2008, Dr. Houston was selected by Consumer Research Council as one the TOP PHYSICIANS in the United States. Just this past November and May, 2009, Dr. Houston was selected by USA Today as one of the most Influential Physicians in the U.S. in both hypertension and hyperlipidemia.
Dr. Houston is a consulting reviewer for over 20 major medical journal in the U.S., he’s completed over 70 clinical research studies in hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disease, and Dr. Houston has published over 150 medical articles in peer-reviewed journals. He speaks nationally and internationally on hypertension and has written three best-selling books – The Handbook of Antihypertensive Therapy, Vascular Biology for the Clinician, and What Your Doctor Does Not Tell You About Hypertension: The Revolutionary Nutrition and Lifestyle Program to Help Fight High Blood Pressure.
The list of Dr. Houston’s accomplishments goes on and on. I’ve covered just some of the highlights of his career above. With all of his research commitments, speaking engagements, etcetera; he still works with patients one-on-one in Nashville, Tennessee, and teaches Vanderbilt medical students, interns, and residents.
This is a great opportunity for you to get your questions answered. When submitting your question, keep in mind Dr. Houston areas of specialty – hypertension (high blood pressure), lipid disorders (cholesterol/blood fats), prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, nutrition, clinical age management and general internal medicine.
Make the most of Dr. Houston’s generous offer to make time in his busy schedule to answer your questions.
Submit your question by posting as a comment below.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Heart Healthy Tips
http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com
If you have high blood pressure or want to take steps to prevent high blood pressure, it’s very important you balance your intake of sodium and potassium. The more potassium in your diet and the lower the sodium, the better your blood pressure will be.
The typical American diet contains 3.6 grams of sodium daily, while the current guidelines recommend limiting sodium to 2.3 grams or less daily (~1 teaspoon). Many Americans are deficient on potassium intake with various causes of low potassium. Currently dietary guidelines recommend 4.7 grams of potassium each day. Good potassium sources include bananas, potatoes, cantaloupe, dates, nuts, oranges, and green leafy vegetables.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
More interesting research findings I want to share.
A French study found a link between the weather and blood pressure, especially for individuals over the age of 80. As temperatures dropped 25 degrees, such as change from summer to winter, systolic blood pressure (top number) increased 5.0 mmHg.
Hmmm, another reason to retire in the tropics!
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
If you are prehypertensive or have mild high blood pressure a study has found that drinking hibiscus tea may help lower your blood pressure. A study followed 65 individuals aged 30-70 years-old with initial blood pressure readings of 120-150/<95. Individuals were split into two groups, with one group drinking three cups of hibiscus tea daily. Those consuming the tea saw a 6.2 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure (top number).
Hibiscus is a common ingredient in herbal teas, providing a fruity, tart taste and red color. Hibiscus is also a good source of anthocyanins, flavones, flavonols, and phenolic acids. This isn’t the first study to show a link between hibiscus tea and reduced blood pressure.
February is American Heart Month. In recognition of American Heart Month you can access Heart Health Made Easy at a 25% savings. Learn more about this take action guide to lower cholesterol and blood pressure at http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
Magnesium is not a mineral that tops discussions very often; however, magnesium is critical to over 300 bodily functions. Magnesium maintains normal muscle and nerve function, helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure and heart rhythm, maintains bone strength, and supports a healthy immune system.
Many people consume a diet low in magnesium receiving less than two-thirds of the recommended dietary allowance. Good magnesium sources include whole grains, spinach, broccoli, squash, beans, popcorn, nuts, pork, and seeds. Fair sources of magnesium include dairy products, chocolate, and meats.
A magnesium deficiency takes a long time to develop. Magnesium deficiency symptoms include irregular heartbeat, weakness, fatigue, numbness, muscle pain, disorientation, and seizures. Conditions related to increased risk for magnesium deficiency include alcoholism, poorly controlled diabetes, intestinal disorders (Crohn’s disease), and intake of certain medications (diuretics). Sup-optimal levels of magnesium intake have been linked with diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and pregnancy discomfort.
When someone has type II diabetes they are making adequate insulin levels. The problem with type II diabetes is that the cells do not recognize the insulin. When cells do not recognize insulin they do not let sugar from the blood enter the cell and blood sugar levels remain elevated. This leads to sugar spilling over into the urine, organ damage, and other complications. Magnesium is a factor in this because it’s the “key” that opens the door for insulin to get into the cell. If magnesium levels are low there are no keys to open the door and insulin is unable to do its job resulting in continued high blood sugar levels. When diabetes is poorly controlled the loss of magnesium in the urine is even greater.
Blood levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium are closely connected and all influence blood pressure. Studies have linked low magnesium levels with elevated blood pressure. As an aside, if you have ever been told to eat a banana by your doctor, you should also increase your magnesium intake. FYI – Bananas are not the best source of potassium – potatoes are!
Magnesium is a major component of the matrix (middle) of bones. Low magnesium levels cause fragile bones that are less flexible and have a slower recovery rate if injured.
Adequate levels of magnesium are related to decreased leg cramps during pregnancy. A magnesium deficiency is also a risk factor for gestational diabetes.
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for Magnesium:
Men 350 mg per day
Women 280 mg
Pregnancy 300 mg
Lactation 355 mg first 6 months; 340 mg next 6 months
You do NOT want to take megadoses of magnesium – more is not better in this case. You just want enough to meet the RDA. If you feel your intake of magnesium from foods is low, taking a basic multivitamin is a simple way to ensure you meet your needs. Read the multivitamin label carefully because not all multivitamins include magnesium. Always check with your doctor before altering your medications or supplements.
Magnesium may not be an exciting mineral, but it is critical. Ensure you are eating adequate sources of magnesium rich foods and/or consider a supplement to promote optimum health.
February is American Heart Month. In recognition of American Heart Month you can access Heart Health Made Easy at a 25% savings. Learn more about this take action guide to lower cholesterol and blood pressure at http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com.
Here’s another question I asked Dr. Cynthia Shelby-Lane and her answer.
Lisa Nelson RD: Please explain the connection between high or low blood pressure and someone’s heart rate? For example, if someone lowers their blood pressure, should they see a corresponding decrease in heart rate? Also, should someone be concerned about a consistently high heart rate, such as 100 bpm?
Dr. Shelby-Lane: Blood pressure and heart rate are interrelated components of the cardiovascular system and therefore, not mutually exclusively. One can affect the other.
Persons with well controlled high blood pressure, with or without medication, can also have a cardiac arrhythmia or irregular heart beat. This heart rhythm problem, if poorly controlled can then affect the blood pressure.
Persons with low blood pressure, due to a variety of reasons, can have a normal or abnormal heart rhythm. Person with a disorder called neurocardiogenic syncope can have low blood pressure and a low or normal heart rate, but this is positional in nature and may involve a severe hormone problem related to the adrenal glands.
Lisa Nelson RD: Hmmm, not sure you answered the question. Yes, blood pressure and heart rate are connected. If someone lowers there blood pressure via medication or lifestyle changes, should they expect a lower heart rate also?
Dr. Shelby Lane: This is not a straight forward answer. You can have normal blood pressure and an altered heart rate or vice versa. Heart rate and rhythm may be caused by electrical disturbances which may or may not affect blood pressure. Again, there is no one answer and follow up with a specialist is needed since there are multiple causes for high and low blood pressure as well as heart rhythm disturbances. Hope this makes sense.
Lisa Nelson RD: Thanks for the clarification. There is not one set answer for this question.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
