Hypertension Treatment   For mild to moderate hypertension, without accompanying organ disease complications, the conventional treatment recommendations are focused on adjusting dietary and lifestyle choices to adjust the elevated blood pressure.  Non-drug therapies are recommended over prescription drugs, due the possibility of adverse side effects. [7]  For moderate and severe hypertension, drugs such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics are recommended.  Prescription medications may also be used in the incidence of complications arising from mild hypertension, which cannot be controlled with diet and lifestyle changes alone. [8]    Non-drug treatment is very successful in lowering blood pressure when applied towards both the mild to moderate range.  Severe hypertension should be monitored by a physician and treated with pharmacologic drugs.     Supplements helpful for Hypertension   Magnesium Magnesium is an effective treatment for mild to moderate hypertension.  It activates cellular processes to lower the blood pressure.  Magnesium is most effective in individuals who exhibit a deficiency of this mineral.  It also helps to regulate potassium levels in the body.   In one particular study, individuals with mild to moderate hypertension experienced a systolic decrease by a mean of 2.7 mmHg and a diastolic decrease by a mean of 3.4 mmHg greater than placebo. [9]    Calcium High blood pressure is linked to low calcium.  Individuals with high blood pressure that respond to salt restriction, often react better to the use of supplemental calcium to lower blood pressure.  Calcium mainly affects systolic pressure, and is very useful in isolated systolic hypertension.   In a study of individuals with essential hypertension, supplementation caused a 2mmHg reduction in both the systolic and diastolic pressures. [10]  Another study concerning elderly individuals produced a similar reduction. [11]   Vitamin C High intake of vitamin C is correlated with lower blood pressures.  It has a modest effect on individuals with mild hypertension.  Vitamin C promotes excretion of lead from the body.  Lead is associated with an increase in blood pressure.   A study of individuals with mild hypertension compared dosages of 500, 1000, and 2000mg of Vitamin C, and its effect on blood pressure.  In the first month of study, systolic pressure decreased by a mean of 4.5 mmHg and the diastolic by a mean of 2.8 mmHg.  Although the reduction trend did not continue, it remained constant throughout trial period .[12]  In another comparative study of individuals with isolated systolic hypertension and essential hypertension, the systolic pressure decreased by a mean of 10 mmHg and the diastolic by a mean of 6 mmHg. [13]    Coenzyme Q10 Coenzyme Q10 is deficient in 39% of patients with hypertension, and has been shown to lower blood pressure by as much as 10%. [14]  These results, however, do not appear until 1-3 months of treatment.  CoQ10 is recommended for use with moderate hypertension.  Coenzyme Q10 also favorably affects the cholesterol levels and resistance in the blood vessels of arms and legs.  Its mechanism of action is not fully understood.   In one study of individuals with isolated systolic hypertension, CoQ10 supplementation resulted in a systolic pressure decrease of 17.8 mmHg. [15]  In another study, CoQ10 produced a decrease in systolic pressure by a mean of 6.1 mmHg and decreased the diastolic pressure by a mean of 3 mmHg. [16]    Omega 3 Fatty Acids Increased intake of fish oil and flaxseed oil can lower blood pressure.  Fish oil has proven more effective than flaxseed oil in various studies. Although the mechanism is not known, it is theorized that the anti-inflammatory effects of essential fatty acids produce the blood pressure lowering effects.   In a study of individuals with high blood pressure, supplementation with EPA and DHA from fish oil for 16 weeks lead to a reduction in systolic pressure by a mean of 3.8 mmHg and diastolic pressure by a mean of 2 mmHg. [17]  In another study with omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseed and fish oils, the systolic pressure decreased by a mean of 4.1 mmHg and the diastolic by a mean of 2.4 mmHg. [18]  Another large, population based study, witnessed a reduction in systolic pressure (6.4 mmHg) and diastolic pressures (2.8 mmHg) with the supplementation of 6g/day of EPA and DHA rich fish oils. [19]    Crataegus species (Hawthorne) Hawthorn is a well-known botanical medicine for cardiovascular conditions.  It improves the functioning of the heart, as well as decreases blood pressure. It is also a potent anti-oxidant because of its high flavonoid content.  The blood pressure lowering effects of Hawthorn are mild, and can take several weeks to have a noticeable effect.   In one study comparing Hawthorn to magnesium supplementation in individuals with high blood pressure, a similar reduction was seen in both groups.  Although the Hawthorn group exhibited a greater reduction in diastolic pressure than the systolic. [20]    Allium species (Garlic) Garlic has long been studied for its cardiovascular effects, especially concerning lipid reduction.  Garlic is also effective at lowering one's overall blood pressure.   In one clinical study, a high dose garlic supplementation given to patients with severe hypertension decreased systolic pressure by a mean of 7 mmHg and the diastolic decreased by a mean of 16 mmHg.  These results were obtained in just five hours after the initial dosage. [21]  In another study of individuals with isolated diastolic hypertension, supplementation with garlic over a 12 week period caused a mean reduction of diastolic pressure by 11 mmHg. [22]      Learn More About Hypertension Introduction to Hypertension Hypertension Treatment Products helpful for Hypertension Go Back Learn More

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