Hypertension is a common disorder in industrialized countries and is fast becoming more prevalent in third world countries as modern convenience food and lifestyle changes are adopted. High blood pressure leads to a number of life threatening diseases and must be treated quickly and consistently.
Medications for High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure medications are one of the most widely prescribed drugs. They are needed when changes in lifestyle and diet alone cannot control hypertension or when the disease is in advanced and dangerous stages. There are four main classes of drugs used to lower blood pressure. Often, combinations of the different classes of drugs are used together.
- Diuretics increase sodium and water loss through increased urination. This results in less blood volume and thus less pressure.
- Beta blockers block receptors on blood vessel walls, causing relaxation of the arteries and reduced force of heart contraction.
- Calcium channel blockers block passage of calcium into cell walls, which inhibit constriction of the blood vessels.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent the formation of angiotensin, a substance that increases blood volume and constricts blood vessels.
Foods that Decrease Hypertension
Foods high in naturally-occurring potassium and low in artificial sodium are important in lowering blood pressure. Apples, bananas, carrots, oranges, potatoes, zucchini and celery are all excellent foods to balance potassium and sodium levels.
Cold water fish such as salmon, halibut, mackerel and herring have been shown to reduce blood pressure. Consume fresh fish three times weekly.
Good food choices for people with high blood pressure include plant based foods such as legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. These foods contain abundant amounts of roughage and protective phytonutrients which help to control cholesterol and dilate arteries.
Nuts and seeds or their oils are also beneficial because of their essential fatty acid content, as are cold-water fish (salmon, mackerel) or fish oil products concentrated for eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA and DHA). Green leafy vegetables are a rich source of calcium and magnesium; broccoli and citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C - all help to lower blood pressure.
Research at the University of Chicago Medical Center showed that a very small amount of the celery compound 3-n-butyl phthalide (3nB) can lower blood pressure by a surprising 12 to 14 percent. Patients that ate about 2 stalks of celery every day for one week, showed blood pressure decreases from an average of 158 over 96 to a normal reading of 118 over 82.
Both lifestyle and nutritional changes along with medication is important to treat hypertension. It is important to follow up with regular check ups with a doctor if you are prescribed hypertension medication.
Reference:
Patient UK: Medications For Treating High Blood Pressure
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