Alternative Methods for Reducing Blood Pressure

According to the American Heart Association, almost one in three adults throughout the United States has high blood pressure (hypertension). Despite this high figure and because the disease might not always show immediate symptoms, many of these people do not know that they suffer from it. There are a number of alternative treatments that are effective in reducing high blood pressure.

A Blood Pressure Reading

• A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, one above the other. The upper number in the reading is the systolic pressure and the lower number is the diastolic pressure. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute states that normal blood pressure is below the range 120/80 mmHg. If your systolic pressure is within the range of 120-139 or your diastolic pressure is within the range 80-90 you have prehypertension. If your systolic pressure is between 140 and 159 or your diastolic pressure is between 90 and 99 you have Stage 1 hypertension. You have Stage 2 hypertension if your systolic pressure is greater than 160 and your diastolic pressure is higher than 100.

Coenzyme Q10

• Studies show that coenzyme Q10 is effective for reducing systolic hypertension. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is produced within the human body. It is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance that is present in every cell in the body. It is essential for basic cell function and it also has antioxidant properties. This means that it helps the body process and eliminate toxins and boosts the immune system. The suggested dose for a CoQ10 supplement is 1200 milligrams each day.

Garlic

• Garlic can reduce systolic blood pressure. It can thin the blood, which reduces its ability to clot. It might also interact with other medications such as prescription blood thinners such as Trental and Coumadin. You should seek medical advice if you are considering taking a daily garlic supplement. You should avoid taking a garlic supplement for two weeks preceding and following surgery.

Biofeedback

• Biofeedback is a form of complementary medicine in which patients learn a series of exercises that help them to control bodily processes that normally occur involuntarily such as heart rate, skin temperature and blood pressure. Biofeedback has been shown in a number of cases to be effective for the treatment and control of high blood pressure. Though scientists are unable to explain exactly how biofeedback works, what is known is that patients who find it most useful are those with illnesses caused by or worsened by stress. There are three main types of biofeedback: neurofeedback--this measures the activity of brainwaves; electromyography--this measures muscle tension and thermal feedback--this measures skin temperature.