Hypotension
Description
Hypotension is a condition in which arterial blood pressure is lower than normal.
In the absence of other symptoms, chronic low blood pressure in itself is not a health threat. However, hypotension can predispose some people to fainting upon standing in the sun or upon experiencing strong emotions.
A sudden drop in blood pressure can be a health problem. If this occurs upon standing from a sitting or lying position, it is known as postural hypotension. In this case, blood flow to the brain is momentarily reduced and dizziness or fainting may occur.
A sudden drop in blood pressure which does not immediately reverse itself constitutes shock, and is a serious threat to life. Immediate medical attention should be sought.
Causes
Atherosclerosis
Diabetes mellitus
Side effects of certain medications
Heart disorders
Addison's disease
Malnutrition
Signs & Symptoms
Weakness
Lethargy
Dizziness
Fainting
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Cardiovascular Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| B Complex* | |
| Bioflavonoids* | |
| Calcium | 1,000 mg |
| Germanium | 150 mg b.i.d. |
| Magnesium | 400 mg q.i.d. |
| Vitamin C | 3,000 mg |
| Vitamin K | 100 mcg b.i.d. |
| Zinc | 30 mg b.i.d. |
*Please refer to the respective topic for specific amounts.
Discussion:-
Fiber appears to be beneficial whether blood pressure is high, or low, hence fiber needs to be included in the diet, or as a supplement e.g. guar gum or glucomannan.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Clinical treatment and nutritional management is to the underlying condition rather than being directed at the hypotension itself since hypotension is often a symptom of another illness. Hypotension, in the apparent absence of an underlying condition, may be due to vitamin or mineral toxicity. Toxic levels can result from food faddism or from supplementing the diet with megadoses of nutrients, as in the following doses:
| Niacin | 40 grams per day |
| Cobalt | 490 micrograms per day |
| Copper | 250 milligrams per day |
| Magnesium | 15 grams per day |
No diet is specifically prescribed for hypotension by the American Dietetics Association. Barring any underlying health condition, a Dietary Goals Diet should be followed to provide all the nutrients necessary for building a sound and disease-resistant body.
Homeopathic Remedy
1.*Crataegus Hawthorn tinct. - 6X to 15C
2.*Cactus grandiflorus - 3X - 15C or higher (to 1M)
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
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Bilberry
Cayenne
Garlic
Ginkgo biloba
Gotu kola
Hawthorn
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
A more extensive list has been compiled by Newall. It is necessary to be aware of as many herbs which may exert an hypertensive action as possible (after Newall, 1996):
Hypertensive Herbs
| Herb | Effect |
| Bayberry | Mineralocorticoid side-effect |
| Broom | Alkaloid effect, |
| Capsicum | Increased catecholamine secretion |
| Cohosh, Blue | Methylcytisine has nicotinic action, alkaloid effect |
| Cola | Caffeine |
| Coltsfoot | Pressor activity |
| Gentian | Contra-indicated in hypertensive individuals |
| Ginger | Hypertensive |
| Ginseng, Panax | Hypertensive |
| Licorice | Mineralocorticoid side effect |
| Mate | Caffeine |
| Vervain | Hypertensive |
Unfortunately, combining herbs for a more powerful action cannot be recommended at this time as so little is known and individuals may react differently.
Paradoxically, these and other herbs may induce an hypotensive effect and be antagonistic to therapy (Newall, 1996):
| Herb | Effect |
| Agrimony | In vivo |
| Asafetida | In vivo |
| Avens / Bennet | In vivo |
| Black Cohosh | Human |
| Calamus / Sweet Flag | In vivo |
| Celery Seed | Human |
| Cornsilk | In vivo |
| Cowslip | [Hypertensive In vivo] |
| Devil's Claw | In vivo |
| Elecampane | In vivo |
| Fenugreek | |
| Fucus / Kelp | |
| Fumitory | In vivo |
| Garlic Plant | In vivo |
| Ginger | |
| Ginseng, Panax | Human |
| Goldenseal | Alkaloid |
| Hawthorn | In vivo |
| Horehound, White [Black Horehound] | Vasodilator |
| Horse radish | In vivo |
| Mistletoe | In vivo |
| Nettle | In vivo |
| Parsley Plant | In vivo |
| Plantain Tree | In vivo |
| Pokeroot | In vivo |
| Prickly Ash | In vivo |
| Sage | |
| Shepherd's Purse | |
| Squill | Vasodilator |
| St. John's Wort | In vivo |
| Vervain | |
| Wild Carrot [Carrot Seeds] | In vivo |
| Yarrow | In vivo |
References:
Hoffmann, D: The New Holistic Herbal. Element, 1983. Third edition 1990.
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Hyssop Essence, | Rosemary Essence, |
| Sage Essence, | Thyme Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Abscess
Aging
Bleeding
Infection
Inflammation
Pain
References
Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
Editorial: Falls in the Elderly Have Multiple Causes, Remedies. Family Practice News, May 15, 1992;54.
Isselbacher, K.J. & R.D. Adams. 1980. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 9th ed. McGraw Hill Bk Co pub, N Y. 2073 pp.
Kirschmann, J.D. 1990. Nutrition Almanac: Nutrition Search. McGrew-Hill: New York.
Kunz, J.R.M. 1982. The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide. Random House Pub, New York. 832 pp.
Lipsitz LA & Fullerton KJ: Postprandial blood pressure reduction in healthy elderly. J Am Geriatr Soc, 1986 Apr, 34:4, 267-70.
McCarthy P & Snyder JC: Orthostatic hypotension: a potential side effect of psychiatric medications. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv, 1992 Aug, 30:8, 3-5.
Nakasaki H et al., Clinical and biochemical aspects of thiamine treatment for metabolic acidosis during total parenteral nutrition. Nutrition, 1997 Feb, 13:2, 110-7.
Roe DA: Medications and nutrition in the elderly. Prim Care, 1994 Mar, 21:1, 135-47.
Sacks FM & Kass EH: Low blood pressure in vegetarians: effects of specific foods and nutrients. Am J Clin Nutr, 1988 Sep, 48:3 Suppl, 795-800.
Thomas, C.L. 1985. Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. F.A. Davis Co. Pub., Philadelphia. 2170 pp.
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