Study Finds Some Alternative Therapies Lower Blood Pressure

The American Heart Association has identified several alternative therapies that could lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Researchers say the alternative methods are options when traditional medications don't work, or patients can't tolerate them.

According to Medical News Today, an expert panel targeted patients with blood pressure readings that exceeded 120/80 mmHg. They published their findings in the journal Hypertension.

The researchers determined that alternative treatments shouldn't take the place of proven ways to lower blood pressure, such as physical activity, curtailing sodium, and weight management. They considered three categories of alternative therapies: exercise regimens, non-invasive treatments like acupuncture and regulated breathing, and behavioral remedies such as meditation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 31 percent of American adults -- 67 million people -- have high blood pressure. Around 30 percent of U.S. adults have pre-hypertension, with readings of 120-139/80-89 mmHg. More than 20 percent of adults who suffer from high blood pressure have no idea that they have it.

The panel analyzed data from 1,000 studies and reviewed three kinds of physical activity: aerobic, resistance or weight training, and isometric exercises that most often involved hand-grip devices. They also considered yoga, various types of meditation, biofeedback, device-guided breathing, relaxation, acupuncture, and stress reduction.

All three types of physical activity lowered blood pressure. However, experts were surprised that four weeks of isometric hand-grip exercises caused a 10 percent lowering of both blood pressure numbers. They note, however, that patients whose readings are 180/110 mmHg or higher should avoid isometric exercises.

Results were modest for walking programs and behavioral therapies like transcendental meditation and biofeedback. Insufficient clinical evidence existed to recommend yoga, other relaxation methods, or acupuncture. However, device-guided slow breathing three or four times weekly in sessions of 15 minutes was effective.

Overall, alternative therapies lowered systolic pressure (the top number) by 2 to 10 mmHg. Since a standard blood pressure medication achieved a 10 to 15 mmHg reduction, patients who can use blood pressure drugs successfully should consider alternative therapies adjuncts to discuss with a healthcare provider.

While this study didn't consider dietary issues, the Mayo Clinic cites a number of supplements that might help decrease blood pressure: alpha-linolenic acid, cod liver oil, garlic, blond psyllium, omega-3 fatty acids, cocoa, calcium, and coenzyme Q10. Patients should always discuss adding any of these with a physician before taking it.

I discovered I had high blood pressure when I broke my leg a decade ago. Although I've lost weight, reduced stress, altered my diet, and rotated through a dozen medications, my readings still fluctuate.

Two knees that need replacement have significantly reduced my exercise options. It would never have occurred to me to add isometric hand-grip exercises on top of medication. Since this alternative therapy does lower blood pressure, it's already awaiting my doctor's blessing.

Vonda J. Sines has published thousands of print and online health and medical articles. She specializes in diseases and other conditions that affect the quality of life.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/study-finds-alternative-therapies-lower-blood-pressure-153100810.html

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