High blood pressure is usually one of
the major health complications associated with people who have Type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure is also a problem for most people who are overweight and live a sedentary lifestyle.
Key Point: If you reverse your Type 2 diabetes, in most cases your blood pressure will return to normal!
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is also one of the first signs that the cardiovascular system is lacking key nutrients
and is under serious stress and deterioration. This is due to the
heart’s extra force required to push the blood through the arteries
eventually causing damage to the inner lining of the arteries. This, in
turn, causes inflammation and leaves the arteries susceptible to the
buildup of fatty plaque that can narrow or block the arteries and reduce
blood flow to the body’s organs. When untreated, high blood pressure
can lead to kidney damage, heart failure, stroke, and loss of vision
from damage to the retina.
Unfortunately, high blood pressure is a “silent” symptom that goes
undetected for years. Consequently, high blood pressure is well-known as one of the major silent killer diseases.
Most people don't realize that they have high blood pressure until another problem arises that triggers the need for a physical exam, e.g. blurry vision, constant headaches, heart arrhythmia, kidney problems. The key organs that are involved with high blood pressure include the heart, kidneys, arteries, and the neural and hormonal systems. The combination of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes is particularly stressful on the kidneys.
Most people don't realize that they have high blood pressure until another problem arises that triggers the need for a physical exam, e.g. blurry vision, constant headaches, heart arrhythmia, kidney problems. The key organs that are involved with high blood pressure include the heart, kidneys, arteries, and the neural and hormonal systems. The combination of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes is particularly stressful on the kidneys.
High blood pressure is generally defined as a level exceeding 140/90 mm
Hg on multiple occasions. The systolic blood pressure, which is the
first number, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart
contracts and pumps blood throughout the circulatory system. The
diastolic pressure, which is the second number, represents the pressure
in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction.
An elevation of the systolic or diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of 
developing
heart (cardiac) disease, kidney (renal) disease, hardening of the
arteries (arteriosclerosis), glaucoma (eye damage), and stroke (brain
damage). Usually a high systolic number indicates problems with the
cardiovascular system and the liver, while a high diastolic number
indicates problems with the kidneys and the liver.
developing
heart (cardiac) disease, kidney (renal) disease, hardening of the
arteries (arteriosclerosis), glaucoma (eye damage), and stroke (brain
damage). Usually a high systolic number indicates problems with the
cardiovascular system and the liver, while a high diastolic number
indicates problems with the kidneys and the liver.
These complications of high blood pressure are often referred to as
end-organ damage because damage to these organs is the end result of
chronic (long duration) high blood pressure. Accordingly, the diagnosis
of high blood pressure in an individual is important so that efforts can
be made to normalize the blood pressure and, thereby, prevent the
complications.
For some people, high blood pressure may be defined at a level lower
than 140/90 mm Hg. For example, in certain situations, such as in
patients with long duration (chronic) kidney diseases that spill protein
into the urine (proteinuria), the blood pressure is ideally kept at
125/75, or even lower. The purpose of reducing the blood pressure to
this level in these patients is to slow the progression of kidney
damage. Patients with diabetes may likewise benefit from blood pressure
that is maintained at a level lower than 140/90. In addition,
African-Americans, who have an increased risk for developing the
complications of high blood pressure, may decrease this risk by reducing
their diastolic blood pressure to 80 mm Hg or less.
Important: Not only can kidney disease cause high blood pressure, but
high blood pressure can cause kidney disease. Therefore, all patients
with high blood pressure should be evaluated for the presence of kidney
disease so that they can be treated appropriately.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of high blood pressure is more than reading the
numbers off the monitor. It may take several months of doctor visits,
monitoring and testing, including an electrocardiogram to prevent a
false reading. The diagnosis starts with measuring your blood pressure
using a mercury manometer and a properly fitted arm cuff, with your
elbow at the same level as your heart, not below it. There is usually a
small difference between the left and right side.
Ideal systolic-diastolic pressure values are under 120/80. Values over
180/110 are a definite concern. If the difference between the systolic
and diastolic pressure exceeds 60, advanced atherosclerosis may be
present. Values greater than 140/90 are a concern if you have other risk
factors such as being overweight. You may require further testing,
which may involve wearing a small automatic measuring device and
recorder for 24 hours.
To prevent a false diagnosis, have your blood pressure checked while
sitting, standing and lying down – if readings skyrocket when you change
position, this may indicate a problem with the adrenal glands. All this
information is collected and analyzed by your doctor for a proper
diagnosis.
Primary Root Causes
In order to understand the best ways to treat high blood
pressure (without drugs), it is very important to understand the primary
root causes which cause the heart muscle to work harder to push the
blood throughout the body. They include: an increase in the volume of
blood and fluids, e.g. fluid retention due to cell dehydration; a
decrease in the diameter of the artery walls; a decrease in the
elasticity of the arteries; an increase in blood viscosity (thick
blood); a clogged liver; a clogging of the smaller capillaries in the
kidneys; reduced nitric oxide; a constriction of the arteries due to an
increase in cortisol levels; a defective heart muscle or heart valve;
poor filtering of the blood by the kidneys; and an increase in hormonal
levels (i.e. cortisol) due to stress.
When the heart tries to “push” thick, sticky blood through the blood
vessels, it’s similar to forcing ketchup out of a bottle. You have to
pound the bottom of the bottle to provide enough force to get the
ketchup out of the bottle. This is analogous to the pounding that the
heart has to perform to generate enough force to push the thick blood
throughout the body.
And, this extra pounding can cause headaches and blurry vision while
creating more pressure that causes injuries to the linings of the
arterial walls. These wall injuries cause inflammatory and repair
responses that lead to the production of various proteins and extra
cholesterol to form plaque to repair the injured walls. The arterial
walls become thickened (arteriosclerosis); and, if there is high
homocysteine, this can lead to the formation of more plaque and blood
clots (atherosclerosis).
As you can see, there are many causes of high blood pressure. In order
to determine which ones are causing your high blood pressure, it is
critical to have your doctor perform all the necessary blood tests and
other diagnostic tests that may help to better diagnose the root
cause(s) of your high blood pressure, including testing for inflammation
markers such as homocysteine, C-reactive protein, lipoprotein(a), and
fibrin.
When the circulatory system is working properly, it delivers water and
blood throughout the body, providing nutrients to all the cells and
tissues of the body. Specifically, the blood provides key nutrients to
the millions of artery wall cells, which are responsible for the
availability of “relaxing factors” that decrease vascular wall tension
and keep the blood pressure in the normal range. These key nutrients
include Omega-3 EFAs, CoQ10, water, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, magnesium,
folate, and arginine.
But, when there is a chronic deficiency of these nutrients, blood
viscosity can increase, the artery walls can become damaged leading to
plaque formation, or the artery walls can spasm and become thickened,
leading to an increase in blood pressure. Over time, components of the
circulatory system such as the blood
vessels may become inflamed and damaged, leading to other health issues
such as thick blood, blood clots, cold feet/hands, chronic fatigue, and erectile dysfunction. This puts additional stress on other components of the circulatory system such as the heart, which can lead to a sudden stroke or heart attack.
How to Treat High Blood Pressure Naturally
Consequently, a consistent exercise regimen, stress reduction, and a nutritional program
that addresses specific nutrient deficiencies can be beneficial in
preventing and reversing high blood pressure. Believe it or not, a lot
of people, especially in the U.S., have high blood pressure because they
either avoid "real" salt or they use the wrong kind of salt!
In general, for good heart health and lower blood pressure, avoid the processed foods, drink raw
vegetable juices, and eat more green and bright-colored vegetables such
as spinach, kale, broccoli, and red peppers for the Vitamin C,
chlorophyll, and other nutrients. Also, eat
wild salmon, walnuts and flaxseed for the Omega-3 EFAs. Foods and nutrients such
as filtered water, cayenne, celery, CoQ10, ginger, onions, and garlic nourish the cardiovascular system and help to lower your blood pressure. Refer to the wellness
protocol section in Chapter 15 of the Death to Diabetes book and the Power of Juicing ebook for more details about high blood pressure and heart health.
In addition, use spirituality, meditation, and avoid toxic relationships to reduce the stress in your life.
Refer to Chapter 13 (Body, Mind, & Spirit) and the wellness protocol section in Chapter 15 of Death to Diabetes for more details.
Drug Treatments for High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is commonly treated with a drug such as a diuretic, an ACE inhibitor, or a beta blocker. Unfortunately, long term use of these drugs may cause more harm than good.
Some of the drugs listed below can affect certain functions of the body, resulting in dangerous side effects. In fact, some recent studies have shown that the predominant side effect of these drugs is kidney damage. And, the kidneys are needed to control our blood pressure! Another side effect is erectile dysfunction in men. In addition, other studies now show that some of these drugs (i.e. beta-blockers) actually weaken the heart muscle!
Diuretics. Some of these drugs may decrease your body's supply of a mineral called potassium. Symptoms such as weakness, leg cramps or being tired may result.
Eating foods containing potassium may help prevent significant potassium loss. You could prevent potassium loss by taking a liquid or tablet that has potassium along with the diuretic, if your doctor recommends it. Diuretics such as amiloride (Midamar), spironolactone (Aldactone) or triamterene (Dyrenium) are called "potassium sparing" agents. They don’t cause the body to lose potassium. They might be prescribed alone but are usually used with another diuretic. Some of these combinations are Aldactazide, Dyazide, Maxzide or Moduretic.
But, don't take a second drug to counteract the first drug! -- eat the right foods that will lower your blood pressure without the need for the drugs!
Some people suffer from attacks of gout after prolonged treatment with diuretics. This side effect isn't common and can be managed by other treatment. This is because of hyperurecemia caused by diuretics.
In people with diabetes, diuretic drugs may increase the blood sugar level. A change in drug, diet, insulin or oral antidiabetic dosage corrects this in most cases. Your doctor can change your treatment. Most of the time the degree of increase in blood sugar isn't much. Impotence may also occur in a small percentage of people.
Beta-blockers. Acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Mepressor, Merol), nadolol (Corgard), pindolol (Visken), propranolol (Inderal) or timolol (Blocadren) may cause insomnia, cold hands and feet, tiredness or depression, a slow heartbeat or symptoms of asthma. Impotence may occur. If you have diabetes and you’re taking insulin, have your responses to therapy monitored closely.
ACE inhibitors. These drugs, such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Zestril or Prinivil), may cause a skin rash; loss of taste; a chronic dry, hacking cough most common side effect; and in rare instances, kidney damage.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers. These drugs may cause occasional dizziness.
Calcium channel blockers. Diltiazem (Cardizem), nicardipine (Cardene), Nifedipine (Procardia) and verapamil (Calan or Isoptin) may cause palpitations, swollen ankles edema, constipation, headache or dizziness. Side effects with each of these drugs differ a great deal.
Heart Medications. After
a heart attack, certain drugs are prescribed by your cardiologist. Drugs are grouped by type or classes. If you have had a heart
attack or a procedure to open or bypass a clogged heart artery (coronary
artery) you are probably taking at least 2 or 3 of these drugs.
- Beta-blockers reduce the heart's workload by blocking the stimulating effects of the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. Beta-blockers lower blood pressure and protect the heart from developing dangerous heart rhythms. But, long-term use of these drugs can be dangerous.
- ACE inhibitors block one of the body's chemical systems that raise blood pressure. to help at lowering blood pressure.
- Aspirin helps to prevent blood clots from forming in the coronary arteries, but, may damage the inner lining of the stomach, leading to internal bleeding!
- Anticoagulants lower the risk of blood clots in the veins of the legs and inside the chambers of the heart. Doctors prescribe anticoagulants for people who are at above-average risk for blood clots in the legs or heart.
-
Statins lower bad cholesterol (LDL), but, they do not prevent heart attacks and strokes as advertised! Over the past 20 years, the consumption of statin drugs has increased dramatically (75+ million users in the U.S.!), but heart attacks and strokes have increased over that same period of time! Read our web page about the infamous Statin Drug & Cholesterol Hoax.
- Key Point!: If you're taking a statin drug, make sure that you take CoQ10 to protect your heart. But, make sure that the CoQ10 is not synthetic!
- Antibiotics help with some infections, but, some of the popular antibiotics such as the Z-Pak can cause more harm than good! In fact, death is a possibility! Be very careful and do your homework.
- Warning: The Food and Drug Administration issued a health warning for a widely prescribed antibiotic, commonly known as 'Z-Pack' and says it could trigger potentially irregular heart rhythms in some patients. It's sold as Zithromax or Zmax, but most know it as 'Z-Pack.' It's the most widely prescribed antibiotic for bacterial infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. However, the Food and Drug Administration warns that it could be deadly for some patients with heart problems.
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