Print Article for : Supplements For High Blood Pressure

Your Online Guide » Guide to Medical » Diastolic and Systolic Blood Pressure

[S1161]Supplements For High Blood Pressure

by John Scott, Joh

One of the biggest fears men have when prescribed anti-hypertensive medications is the effect these drugs will have on their sexual performance. Recent studies revealed that Levitra can counter these effects. A person with hypertension or high blood pressure may now be able to treat their high blood pressure condition with multiple anti-hypertensive medications and still enjoy a healthy sex life. In this article I will touch the ground with the results of recent scientific research.

is one of three FDA approved oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors which are used to treat erectile dysfunction. The other two are Cialis and Viagra. PDE5 inhibitors relax narrowed or hardened penile arteries to the point where they will allow blood to enter the penis and create an erection in patients with ED.

E.D. or is a man's inability to obtain or maintain an erection and usually involves compromised penile arteries; arteries which have been narrowed and/or hardened most likely by the build up of cholesterol or plaque within the arterial walls. E.D. Can be caused one of several factors, which include poor eating habits, high cholesterol intake, smoking, stress, lack of exercise, high blood pressure conditions, etc...

One of the most common side effects associated with anti-hypertensive drugs is impotence.

High blood pressure medications and more in particular, those which contain either beta-blockers or diuretics have the effect of reducing a person's ability to obtain an erection.

For this reason, most men fear high blood pressure treatments. Fortunately, though recent studies reveal that sexual performance can be reestablished in men taking either one or multiple anti-hypertensive medications if the treatment also includes the use of HCl (Levitra).

One Particular Study and its results

Recently, an extensive study relevant to the problem was performed in Germany. The study included 354 patients from 98 primary health care facilities in Germany. Apart from their high blood pressure conditions, all patients had been suffering from ED for at least 6 months. All participants were also taking either 1 or multiple anti-hypertensive medications including diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, etc... Alpha blockers were excluded.

In order to rule out psychological factors a portion of the participants received a placebo pill instead of Levitra. The rest of the participants received Levitra in 5 to 20 mg dosages. Participants were required to continue the treatment for a 12 week period.

All participants were required to keep a diary which included their answers to standardized questions concerning their particular ED issues. Eighty-three percent (83%) of patients taking the real Levitra claimed they were successfully able to have sexual intercourse with their partners. Only fifty-three percent of the participants taking the fake or placebo pill were able to do so. It made no difference whether the patient took either one or multiple anti-hypertensive pills simultaneously.

The fact that Levitra improved erectile function in patients taking multiple anti-hypertensive medications confirms the fact that it's possible to treat hypertension and at the same time prescribe an effective medication to treat ED. The study reveals that when a doctor treats patients with both high blood pressure and ED, combining Levitra with anti-hypertensive drugs will be beneficial 83 percent of the time.

What is saw palmetto and how can it lower blood pressure? Saw palmetto (botanical name: Serenoa Repens) is a small ever-green palm plant that is found in America. The berries of the plant contain the active ingredients used for herbal medicine. Although it is recommended and primarily used for its effectiveness in treating an enlarged prostrate in men caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), saw palmetto for high blood pressure treatment isn't completely uncommon.

Reasons why this herb is used to treat high blood pressure, in some cases, is because it is a diuretic herb that contains active anti-androgen properties that help reduce water retention and control high blood pressure. Diuretic herbs have a direct effect on the body's cells and tissues. They increase blood flow to the kidneys, which in turn increase urination, allowing excess salt and toxins to be flushed out of the kidneys, which helps to lower overall blood pressure.

Keep in mind, however, like water pills (prescribed diuretic medications), saw palmetto and other blood pressure reducing diuretic herbs, such as ginger, are generally used to treat mild cases of high blood pressure, and are used in combination with dietary changes, exercise, and possibly with other high blood pressure medications to control hypertension.

Although you will need to adopt other lifestyle changes to help reduce your blood pressure when taking saw palmetto for high blood pressure, you should know that some studies have found this herb to interact with certain antihypertensive drugs, such as terazosin, which are used to treat high blood pressure.

In addition, due to its potential hormonal active ingredients, saw palmetto may also alter the effects of hormone replacement therapy and hormonal birth control. Therefore, while saw palmetto may not interfere with all drugs, you should speak with your doctor to ensure this is a safe and effective treatment option for you.

Saw palmetto is taken orally and is available in tablet, capsule, tea and natural berry form. You can find this herb at your local health store. Both men and women may take this herb, although, due to the fact that it has the potential to affect hormones, pregnant women should not take this drug. Saw palmetto should only be taken as directed by the package, or as recommended by a qualified herbalist or health care provider.

You should also be aware that while saw palmetto for high blood pressure is a possible treatment, in very rare cases some side effects of increased blood pressure have been reported by patients taking this herb. Other rare side effects include headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, decreased libido, impotence and urinary retention. Therefore, always make sure you speak to your health care provider before using any herb or other form of treatment for your high blood pressure.

Article Source : Blood Pressure Diet

About Author

Both John Scott & Paul J Johnson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

John Scott has sinced written about articles on various topics from Quit Smoking, PPC Advertising and Fitness. John Scott, the author of this article, is a medical journalist collaborating with "Man of People" site.Tags: ,. John Scott's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.

Paul J Johnson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Blood Pressure, Anger Control and Blood Pressure. Grab your free copy of Paul Johnson's brand new Blood Pressure newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you find out about. Paul J Johnson's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.