Niacin and Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that many people have without knowing it, as there are few symptoms and in some cases no signs at all. For this reason, it is important to have your blood pressure checked once a year at a minimum. If your blood pressure is high, your health care professional is the best person to make recommendations. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a natural medicine widely used for both blood pressure and for lowering LDL cholesterol levels.

Affordable

• Niacin is affordable and readily available for controlling high blood pressure, as it can be purchased without a doctor's prescription.

Side Effects

• A high dosage can result in "hot flashes" or "niacin flush." This is where the skin becomes very heated to the point of discomfort. There can also be side effects if taken with some medications such as alpha-blockers, which may include nausea, gas and vomiting.

Niacin Flush

• Although it may be a bit uncomfortable, the niacin flush is opening small blood vessels. This very act is what causes the blood pressure to work more efficiently. The niacin flush is neither dangerous or harmful.

Niacinamide

• Niacinamide is a newer form of niacin that does not cause the niacin flush. However, it also does not give the same benefit as the regular niacin product. It is important, for the purposes of regulating blood pressure, to purchase the niacin (nicotinic acid) form.

Dosage

• You should begin your niacin treatment at a lower level and then increase the dosage a little at a time. Start with 100 mg per day and increase the amount by 250 mg per week until blood pressure responds. Take no more than 750 mg at one serving, as your entire daily intake can be taken several times during the day.