Hypertension ( high blood pressure ) is a condition in which the force of the blood against the arterial walls is too high. There are more than 3 million cases per year. It usually is defined as blood pressure above 140/90 and considered dangerous is blood pressure is above 180/120. In recent years the numbers considered being hypertensive has been lowered to a diastolic number ( bottom number) at 85.
There are many conventional medications that lower blood pressure. All medications although very beneficial and effective can have side effects. To lower blood pressure I educate the patient on changing their dietary habits, losing weight and start an exercise regimen.
There are many supplements and herbs that can also lower your blood pressure. Some of the supplements are magnesium, citrulline, arginine and CoEnzyme Q10. Some of the herbs that lower blood pressure are garlic, ginkgo, artichoke and hawthorn.
There are certain foods that have been shown to lower blood pressure, while other foods can elevate blood pressure. The foods that lower blood pressure are the following: