BROMOCRIPTINE/HYPERTENSION/SEIZURES/STROKES
Bromocriptine (Parlodel), given to new mothers to suppress breast
milk production, may produce high blood pressure, seizures, and
even strokes. The FDA is revising the labeling of Bromocriptine.
(FDA Drug Bulletin 14(1)3-4, April 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS/MEMORY
Two types of blood pressure medications, propranolol hydrochloride
and methyldopa, have been shown to induce memory impairment. Even
though the test results clearly showed memory impairment most of
the subjects were unaware of their memory loss. (Archives of
General Psychiatry 40:1109-1112, October, 1983) Copyright Phylis Austin
ASPIRIN/BLOOD PRESSURE
Patients with borderline or mild systolic blood pressure may be
adversely affected by the use of aspirin. Patients given aspirin
for 12 weeks demonstrated elevated systolic blood pressure.
(Journal of the American College of Cardiology 5(2)442, February
1995) Copyright Phylis Austin
PHYSICAL FITNESS/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Persons not physically fit are at greater risk of developing high
blood pressure than are physically fit individuals, according to a
study of over 5,000 men and women followed for 12 years. (Journal
of the American Medical Association 252(4)487-490, July 27, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS/DIABETES
A Swedish study of 1462 women revealed a considerably increased
risk of diabetes in hypertensives taking diuretics and/or beta
blockers. (British Medical Journal 289:1495-1497, December 1, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
NOISE/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
A group of 22 medical students exposed to noise levels of 95 to 105
decibels for only 10 minutes showed an increase in blood pressure.
Previous studies have shown that people who work or live in noisy
surroundings tend to have higher blood pressure that those who do
not. (Modern Medicine, April 1985 P. 25,29) Copyright Phylis Austin
DIETARY FAT/BLOOD PRESSURE
Three studies carried out in Finland have revealed that reducing
the fat intake to less than 25 percent of total calories and
increasing the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fats may
produce improvement in high blood pressure. (Internal Medicine News
18(13)25, July 1-14, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
RAW FOOD/BLOOD PRESSURE/WEIGHT CONTROL
A group of patients who were being treated for high blood pressure
and obesity were placed on a diet in which at least 40 percent of
their total intake of calories consisted of raw food. After 6.7
months the mean weight loss averaged 3.8 kg, and they demonstrated
a reduction of 17.8 mm Hg in mean diastolic blood pressure.
Interestingly, 80 percent of these people who consumed alcohol or
smoked spontaneously stopped the use of these substances. (Southern
Medical Journal 78(7)841-844, July 1985) This diet may be helpful
for those who are diabetic, arthritic, or are trying to stop
smoking! Copyright Phylis Austin
HEARING LOSS/DIET/NOISE/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Studies in 1964 revealed that hearing loss is not necessarily the
result of aging. Harold C. Pillsbury, Chairman of the Division of
Otolaryngology at the University of North Carolina School of
Medicine in Chapel Hill reports that the combination of noise
exposure, high blood pressure, and a diet high in fats may be
responsible for the hearing loss found in aging Americans. (Journal
of the American Medical Association 256(3)312, 313, July 18, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
LICORICE/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Glycyrrhizin, a chemical found in licorice, may cause the body to
retain sodium and lose potassium. These biochemical alterations
may lead to fluid retention, muscle weakness, blood pressure
elevation or paralysis. (Tufts University Diet and Nutrition Letter
4(3)7-8, May 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
SUGAR/BLOOD PRESSURE
Sugar (sucrose) administration raised blood pressure in
hypertensive rats. (American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
155(5)1113-8, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
VEGETARIAN DIET/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE/EYE CHANGES
A study carried out in the Republic of China revealed that
individuals on a strict vegetarian diet (no meat, fish, milk, eggs,
and alcohol or tobacco) have less high blood pressure than persons
consuming the typical non-vegetarian diet. Retinal arteriosclerosis
was much less common in the vegetarians (19.8 percent vs. 42.9
percent). Degenerative disease of the retina of the eye was less
common in vegetarians. In those vegetarians who did have
abnormalities of the eyes, the changes were much less profound than
those in non-vegetarians. (Medical Tribune 27(32)3, 33, November,
1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
BLOOD PRESSURE/CAFFEINE
Caffeine, given during rest periods, elevated blood pressure by 8/6
mg Hg. During periods of mental stress caffeine increased blood
pressure 17/7 mm Hg, with levels sometimes reaching 160/100 mm
Hg. In the study group. Skin conductance and heart rate were also
increased. Caffeine may play an important part in the development
of heart disease. Two to three cups of coffee have been shown to
produce an increase of 14/10 mm Hg in young persons who did not
habitually consume caffeine. (Psychosomatic Medicine 49(3)226,
May-June, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin
DIETARY FIBER/BLOOD PRESSURE
High-fiber diets have been shown to be effective in lowering blood
pressure. A group of patients with high blood pressure were given
7 grams of additional fiber per day over a three-month period. They
showed reductions in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure
levels, and lower cholesterol levels. (The Lancet 2:622-623,
September 12, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin
WATER INTAKE/BLOOD PRESSURE
Salt restriction has been prescribed in the treatment of high blood
pressure for decades. A study from the Institute of Nutrition and
Department of Pharmacology at the University of Montreal reveals
that the ratio of water and salt intake may be more important than
salt intake alone. Lack of sufficient water intake may hinder the
body's ability to excrete salt from the body. (Experientia
28:282, March 15, 1972) Copyright Phylis Austin
NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS/BLOOD PRESSURE
CONTROL
Persons who are taking one of the group of over-the -counter
medications commonly called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) for pain control may have trouble controlling their blood
pressure. People who are suffering high blood pressure may develop
weight gain and fluid retention, preventing their medications from
controlling their high blood pressure. The drug, ibuprofen, is
commonly sold under such trade names as Advil, Nuprin, Rufen, and
Medipren. (Annals of Internal Medicine 107:628-535, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin
CHOLESTEROL/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Individuals with low cholesterol levels appear to have lower incidences of high blood
pressure according to a study carried out by Dr. Lars Ekelund, associate professor of
medicine at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Medical World News 29(9)19, May 9, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE/PHYSICIAN VISITS
Many people who have their blood pressure checked by physicians
show abnormally high readings from what is being called "white coat
hypertension." A study from Cornell University in New York
revealed that blood pressure readings taken by nurses or
technicians were lower, due to less anxiety on the part of the
patient. Some patients receiving treatment for high blood pressure
may not need it, as the elevated blood pressure readings may be due
entirely to the stress of the physician visit. (Journal of the
American Medical Association 259(2)225-228, January 9, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
BLOOD PRESSURE/REFINED CARBOHYDRATES
It is known that large amounts of sucrose will raise the blood
pressure. A recent study from Georgetown University Medical Center
and the National Institute of Health, reveals that refined
carbohydrates such as glucose, fructose, and starch also cause
blood pressure elevations. (Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and
Nutrition 5:9-20, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS/DIABETES
A study at the University of Uppsala in Sweden suggests that men
who are predisposed to diabetes may be more likely to develop it if
they are treated for high blood pressure. The medications may
decrease insulin sensitivity, producing diabetes in those
predisposed to it. (British Medical Journal 298:1147, April 29,
1989) Copyright Phylis Austin
NOISE/BLOOD PRESSURE
A study in China revealed that noise may be a significant factor in
the development of high blood pressure. In about seven percent of
a group of over 1,000 women, noise was considered to be an
important factor in the development of the hypertension. (British
Journal of Industrial Medicine 48:179-84, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
PHENACETIN/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE/CARDIOVASCULAR
DISEASE/CANCER/UROLOGIC AND RENAL DISEASE
Patients who use phenacetin in excessive amounts or for prolonged
times are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure,
cancer, heart disease, and renal and/or urologic disease. (New
England Journal of Medicine 324:155-60, January 17, 1991). Even
though phenacetin is available over-the-counter it should not be
considered without risk. Copyright Phylis Austin
SUGAR/BLOOD PRESSURE
Sucrose (sugar) intake may increase the blood pressure. (American
Journal of Hypertension 3:560-562, 1990) Other studies have
indicated that the intake of refined carbohydrates produce an
increase in blood pressure. Copyright Phylis Austin
HYPERTENSION IN ELDERLY/MENTAL CHANGES
Long lasting high blood pressure may lead to brain damage,
according to a study from Netherlands. The white matter of the
brain is damaged, resulting in decreased mental ability. (Internal
Medicine World Report Geriatric Medicine News and Reports 1(1),
March 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin
CAFFEINE/BLOOD PRESSURE
Volunteers in their regular work environment were tested on days
they consumed caffeinated coffee and days they did not. The days
they used coffee they showed higher blood pressure levels,
suggesting that those with high blood pressure will benefit from
avoiding caffeine. (American Journal of Hypertension 3:749-753,
1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
FRUIT FIBER/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
The fiber found naturally in fruit may help in the prevention of
high blood pressure. A study at Harvard revealed that men who ate
an ounce of fiber per day in the form of fruits and vegetables were
less likely to develop high blood pressure (Medical Tribune
33(22)1, November 26, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin
BODY SIZE, BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEMATOCRIT/PREECLAMPSIA
A study of over 4,000 pregnant women revealed that as body size,
blood pressure, and hematocrit increased, so did the risk of
developing preeclampsia during the pregnancy. (American Journal of
Obstetrics and Gynecology 164(1 Pt 2)393, January 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
EXERCISE/HYPERTENSION
Adults who are encouraged to participate in a physical activity
program to reduce their risk of high blood pressure often argue
that they have jobs which require sufficient physical activity. A
30-year study of over 800 adults reveals that despite job-related
physical activity, those who did not participate in recreational
exercise had higher blood pressure, higher heart rates, higher
cholesterol levels, and higher insulin levels. They also showed
more anger and anxiety. Even a very little recreational exercise
provided benefits. (Blood Pressure 3:178, May 1994; Medical
Abstracts Newsletter, August 1994, p. 6) Copyright Phylis Austin
CAFFEINE/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Two to three cups of coffee may raise blood pressure levels for
over three hours in men who suffer from mild hypertension. This
increase may be sufficient to lead to the treatment of high
blood pressure in individuals who would not require treatment if
they would discontinue the use of caffeine. (American Journal of
Hypertension 7:755-758, August 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE/VEGETARIAN DIET
A vegetarian diet with low intake of saturated fat, a high fruit
and vegetable fiber intake, and a high P/S ratio appears to
decrease high blood pressure. (Nutrition, Metabolism and
Cardiovascular Diseases 4:103-112, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
EXERCISE/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Lower extremity exercise such as walking, jogging and cycling
lowered blood pressure in hypertensive adults. (American Journal of
Hypertension 7:115-119, 1994) The large muscles of the legs may be
the most important regulators of sodium retention in the body. Copyright Phylis Austin
BLOOD PRESSURE/COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Those who have high systolic blood pressure during midlife are at
increased risk of cognitive impairment in old age. (Journal of the
American Medical Association 274(23)1846-1851, December 20, 1995) Copyright Phylis Austin
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE/BREATHING
Poor breathing technique may contribute to high blood pressure, according to a recent
study from the National Institute on Aging. Shallow breathing decreases the excretion of
sodium from the body; increased sodium may contribute to high blood pressure.
Shallow breathing utilizes the thorax rather than the abdominal muscles. Breathing should
be done from the abdomen. Observe whether your breathing movements cause your
abdomen or chest to move. Abdominal breathing should be the normal pattern.
(Alternatives 6(10)75-77, April 1996, Psychosomatic Medicine 57(4)373-80, 1995) Copyright Phylis Austin
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS
A wide variety of medications given to lower high blood pressure have adverse effects
such as depression, sexual dysfunction or impotence, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and
low blood pressure. Diuretics are often given in association with other medications. Recent
studies have shown that diuretics cause an 11-fold increase in diabetes mellitus. (British
Medical Journal, March 26, 1994; What Doctors Don't Tell You 5(11)1, 3, March 1995)
Proper diet and exercise will go far toward controlling high blood pressure without
medication. Copyright Phylis Austin
GARLIC/CHOLESTEROL/BLOOD PRESSURE
Garlic, in conjunction with a cholesterol-lowering diet can effectively reduce cholesterol
levels and lower blood pressure. The consumption of 7.2 g. of aged garlic extract daily over
the course of six months lowered both cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. The
researchers feel confident that fresh garlic would produce the same benefits. Earlier studies
have shown cholesterol reduction from 9 to 12 percent. (American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition 64:855-870, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin
SNORING/SLEEP APNEA/MENTAL CONFUSION/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Snoring and/or sleep apnea may cause poor mental function in
elderly persons, greatly decreasing their quality of life. A study
of 1400 elderly French citizens revealed that women who suffer
sleep disordered breathing (SDB) are more likely to suffer
depression. Both men and women who suffer SDB and reported daytime
sleepiness had deficits in abstract reasoning ability, poor memory,
and reduced attention span. A few case reports have suggested that
dementia may be reversible when SDB is properly treated.
A number of recent studies suggest that vascular dementia may be
far more common than we have previously suspected; some wonder if
it may not occur as often as does Alzheimer's disease.
Blood flow in the brain is reduced during episodes of SDB.
(Journal of the American Geriatric Society 44:1407-1409, and 1287-
1294, 1996)
Another study concludes that individuals who suffer SDB may have
more difficulty controlling high blood pressure. Antihypertensive
medications seem less effective in persons with SDB. (Journal of
the American Geriatric Society 44:1295-1300, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin
WEIGHT LOSS/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
A person suffering from high blood pressure is typically told to
eliminate salt from their diet, but a recent study indicates that
weight loss is as effective as salt restriction in controlling high
blood pressure. (Archives of Internal Medicine 157:657-667, 1997) Copyright Phylis Austin
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE/BRAIN CHANGES IN ELDERLY
Structural changes occur in the human brain as we age. High
blood pressure accelerates these changes, particularly shrinking
the temporal and occipital regions. (Stroke 28:1410-1417, 1997) ED
- Since most persons with high blood pressure who would participate
in such a study are under the care of physicians who use drug
medications to treat their hypertension we postulate that it is
possible that the medications cause the shrinkage. We would like
to see a comparison of patients treated with drugs and those
treated with diet, weight loss, and herbal remedies. Copyright Phylis Austin