Side effects of high blood pressure and its medications cannot be ignored. Let us find out how we can counter these side effects with natural alternatives.
Most of us are aware of the fact that high blood pressure means that there are going to be problems with one’s health. However, a lot of us do not know about the side effects of high blood pressure. It is true that high blood pressure can cause a lot of damage to various vital organs such as the kidneys, eyes, the heart and the brain.
All of the above mentioned organs will undergo slow damage due to high blood pressure and it is not until much later that one will notice the signs and symptoms of organ damage and their impaired functionality. When high blood pressure is not given prompt treatment, then it can cause many side effects of high blood pressure such as a permanent disability or can even lead to a stroke or a heart attack.
The organs such as the heart, the eyes, the brain and even the kidneys are dependent on the effective flow of blood for the provision of the all the necessary nutrients for the tissues in addition to the supply of oxygen. Arteries, that in prime health generally tend to be flexible and strong. The inside walls of these arteries are normally smooth thereby facilitating the smooth flow of blood.
When an individual has high blood pressure then these healthy arteries undergo a drastic change due to the side effects of high blood pressure. The inner linings of the arteries can be easily destroyed by the elevated blood pressure. Such damage can result in hardening of the arteries, a stroke and other cardiovascular conditions. Such chronic pressure on the arteries can also result in the enlargement of a part of the wall leading to an aneurysm in the brain or the aorta.
The eyes and the kidneys also face similar side effects of high blood pressure. In fact, one of the most common causes of kidney failure is high blood pressure. Arterial injury in the eyes can result in a number of problems such as nerve damage and liquid buildup which can eventually lead to changes or problems in vision.
Most of the ways to treat high blood pressure involve the use of various drugs such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta blockers and calcium-channel blockers. However, these medication themselves have many side effects.
Some of potential side effects of high blood pressure medications include the following:
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of libido or impotence
- Shortness of breath
- Damage to the kidneys
- Increased weakness
- Depression
- Inflamed ankles
- Persistent hacking, dry cough
Since the high blood pressure medications have many side effects such as those mentioned above, one can try to reduce hypertension and the side effects of high blood pressure by consuming naturally available medicines as well as high blood pressure supplements. Some such natural ways to avoid the side effects of high blood pressure are discussed below.
- Garlic: It is a great herb that is rich in sulfides. The medical world knows that sulfides help in relaxation of the arteries, which in turn facilitates the free flow of blood through the arteries. A few studies have in fact proved that garlic can improve the blood vessel tension by an unbelievable seventy two percent. One may intake about two cloves of garlic on a daily basis to avail the best results. Individuals who wish to go for garlic supplements can choose one that contains a minimum of 3,600 mcg of allicin, which is the active compound of garlic.
- Hawthorn: This herb has been popular for many centuries as an effective remedy for cardiovascular conditions and to promote cardiovascular health. This herb also assists in relaxing the blood vessels. It prevents the activities of enzymes referred to as angiotensin-converting enzymes, which are responsible for constriction of the blood vessels. ACE inhibitors also work in a similar manner, though with increased and more aggravating side effects of high blood pressure medications. Research has proved that hawthorn plays an important role in decreasing diastolic blood pressure. The normal dosage for hawthorn extract is considered as 1,000 mg per day
- CoQ10: Most patients of hypertension end up stopping the intake of medications to avoid the side effects of high blood pressure drugs, and substituting it with the supplement CoQ10. A number of studies have been carried out to verify the effects of CoQ10, and they just confirm what the medical practitioners have known all along. Such studies have noted that when CoQ10 is administered to type two diabetic patients, the blood sugar levels improved along with significant improvement in blood pressure as well. CoQ10 is a highly effective antioxidant which provides the heart with a lot of vital energy that enables the heart to remarkably pump blood to different areas of the body. Doctors will usually recommend a dosage of 50 mg to 100 mg of ubiquinol, which is a highly effective form of CoQ10
- Quercetin: It is another antioxidant that is found in leafy green vegetables, fruits, onions, etc. and works remarkably to reduce the blood pressure thereby easing the side effects of high blood pressure. A recommended dose of quercetin supplement is about 300 mg to 750 mg per day.
