Hypertension in black patients is at 32.4 percent as distinguished from whites at 23.3 percent. Blacks also have an 80 percent greater mortality rate with regard to strokes, 50 percent chance with heart disease and an alarming, six times the rate of high blood pressure-related end stage renal disease.
Low levels of renin and sensitivity to salt are believed to be the cause of the disparity.
Renin is classified as an enzyme that secretes from the kidneys to balance the body’s fluids and electrolytes. A simple blood test for renin levels can be performed to determine the degree of blood pressure complications.
Elevated blood pressure is common among this population whose sensitivity to sodium levels and the inability to excrete them is alarming. Another pathophysiology example would be obesity in black women and their parallel intake of sodium. Potassium ingestion was also found to be lower in blacks than in whites.
Intracellular calcium was found to be higher among black patients and may be considered a contributory factor in increased levels of HBP. Calcium is a regulator of a whole array of key cell functions including metabolic processes, enzyme activities, gene expression, signal transduction, replication and electrochemical reactions.
Magnesium is known as the fourth most abundant mineral in your body. It is used to perform more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, promotes normal bp levels, assists in healthy immune functioning, stabilizes blood sugar levels, keeps heart rhythm steady and builds strong bones. It works in concert with calcium for optimal body performance and for all humans, a vital mineral to consume.
Abnormal blood pressure found in some blacks can be managed and even corrected through lifestyle modification. This author has found that a steady diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, coupled with a daily exercise plan, have significantly helped to the extent that no medication is needed. The application of herbs and spices, teas and Tai Chi Chuan allowed for a life without gout, joint pain and increased blood pressure. Just a reduction of about 7lbs of weight can go a long way in reducing HBP. Oral intake of potassium supplements are good, however, a natural potassium source like spinach or bananas is much more effective.
Diuretics may also be the answer for many blacks suffering from hbp. You can find organic variants of them in the botanical world. A diuretic is the process of eliminating fluids like salt and water from the body through urination. It allows the kidneys to put more sodium in the urine. Likewise, the sodium then takes water with it from the blood reducing the amount of fluid flowing through the blood vessels thus lessening the force on arterial walls. The important thing to remember is to incorporate a whole suite of natural remedies and activities and not rely on one particular “Wonder Drug” or application.
In a study conducted by Veteran Affairs Cooperative Study, only 46 percent of black patients diagnosed with stage 1 and 2 hypertension reached a diastolic below 90 mm Hg using monotherapy. For an Ivan L Andersen comprehensive guide and food chart for conquering high blood pressure, please visit http://herbs-for-hypertension.com.
