Elevated blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack or stroke. It is also known as the "the silent killer" because people with elevated blood pressure do not "feel" like they have a health problem. This "silent" camouflages the danger of hypertension and the need to do anything about it.

Over sixty million Americans have high blood pressure (also known as hypertension), including more than half of white Americans from 65 to 74 years of age, and 71% of African-Americans in the same age group.

What are the alternative anti-aging options for normalizing borderline to moderate hypertension?

Classification of Hypertension

The ideal anti-aging blood pressure for an adult is 120 (systolic) / 80 (diastolic).

Hypertension is divided into the following levels:
1. Borderline: 120-140 / 80-94
2. Mild: 140-160 / 95-104
3. Moderate: 160-180 / 105-114
4. Severe: 180 + / 115 +

Statistically, over 80% of those afflicted with hypertension fall into the borderline to moderate range.

When Should Drugs Be Used To Treat Hypertension?

All who have hypertension should be under the care of a physician for a complete work-up and treatment. It is often necessary for those with severe and moderate hypertension to use drugs to bring the blood pressure down to anti-aging levels. However, for those with borderline to mild hypertension, virtually every authority, including the Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, has recommended that non-drug therapies be used as the first step treatment. Large-scale studies, including the Australian and Medical Research Trial, have shown that drugs offer minimal, if any benefit, in protecting against heart disease in people with borderline and mild hypertension. In addition, drugs carry significant risks and associated side effects.

Side Effects of Anti-Hypertensive Drugs

Traditional hypertension medications range from beta-blockers, vasodilators, and diuretics, to calcium channel blockers. They are prescribed under the supervision of a physician and many have unpleasant side effects.

Beta-blockers (such as propanolol - trade name Inderal®) have been known to decrease high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and increase triglycerides. Furthermore, for those with borderline or mild hypertension, reduction in blood pressure from medications alone has not been found to substantially decrease the rate of coronary heart disease. This is contrary to expectations, since hypertension is an acknowledged risk factor for coronary heart disease.

High Blood Pressure Protocol

The following 4 step protocol should be followed concurrently for at least 60 days. In most cases, you will see the lowering of blood pressure. Do not stop taking your blood pressure medications if you are currently taking them and always consult your doctor prior to starting any naturally oriented program.