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High blood pressure is far more common than most people realize. In many people, it may go undiagnosed, simply because there are no overt symptoms.

But here’s the thing: High blood pressure can cause stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and aneurysm.

There are many causes: It may be associated with insulin resistance/diabetes, obesity, dietary factors, stress and emotional factors, genetics, age, kidney problems, adrenal problems, vitamin D levels, taking certain drugs and exposure to heavy metals among other things.

The problem with the conventional approach to treating high blood pressure is that the root cause is never assessed. Instead, the patient is put on medication right away. And there are plenty of choices for the prescribing doctor. Many times, when one drug doesn’t bring the pressure down, the patient is treated with two or three drugs, each with a host of side-effects. (Fondly known as polypharmacy!)

But here’s the good news: Proper evaluation to determine the possible cause may allow for discontinuation of medicine.

Testing may include:

  • Testing for Essential Fatty Acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are associated with lower risks of coronary heart disease and risk of fatal ischemic heart disease. This blood test identifies if there is any fatty acid imbalances in the system and if there is any inflammation. It also determines if there are excess carbohydrates being consumed. The test allows us to customize the dose of essential fatty acids such as DHA or EPA, which is found in fish oils. Often patients are taking a dose that is far too low to have effect on reducing CHD.
  • Salivary cortisol levels can be performed to determine an adrenal cause to hypertension.
  • Vitamin D. Low levels cause increased renin which elevates blood pressure.
  • Kidney function testing.
  • Glucose Tolerance Test and measurement of insulin resistance using the HOMA method determine if blood sugars may be causing hypertension.
  • Heavy Metal Analysis. Heavy metals can cause elevated blood pressure. Patients are often surprised to find mercury or lead or other metals in their system. Proper testing using provocative heavy metal testing is the gold standard for determination of heavy metal toxicity. Removing the metals using oral chelation removes metals and can relieve hypertension in those with elevated metals.
  • Adrenal function testing. Salivary cortisol levels can be performed to determine an adrenal cause to hypertension.

Many of our patients don’t wish to take commonly prescribed drugs such as Altace, Diovan, Lopressor, etc. These drugs can cause unwanted side-effects including fatigue, sexual dysfunction and chronic cough.

In our experience, natural medicines often produce “side-benefits” rather than “side-effects”. (ie: Beneficial effects that weren’t expected). For example, our patients may say that their constipation has cleared or their joint pain has gone away. This is not to say that all natural medicines are always safe, but it is far less common to get side-effects from natural medicines than from prescription medications.

Some treatment options include:

  • Nutritional support including dietary counselling, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
  • Various herbal medicines.
  • Customised IV Therapies based on comprehensive blood tests that look for inflammation, blood viscosity, mineral balance, etc..
  • Chelation therapy. To rid the body of heavy metals that can contribute to hypertension.
  • SomatoEmotional Release for hypertension caused by emotional tension.
  • Dietary couselling to reduce high blood pressure.