The Blood Pressure Reduction Guide

DHEA, or as it is scientifically referred to Dehydroepiandrosterone, is produced by the body naturally from the synthesis of cholesterol.  It is the most abundant hormone in the body and a precursor to the production of other hormones, which are required to allow the body to function healthily. But, is there a DHEA hypertension link or is there little proof to show that DHEA effects our blood pressure level?

DHEA is released by the adrenal glands and in smaller quantities by the ovaries and testes.  It can be converted to other hormones like estrogens and testosterone.

There has been much interest in the link between DHEA and ageing, as the levels of DHEA peak in about our twenties, and slowly decline throughout our lives, to the point that we have about an 80% reduction.

This has led many people to believe that replacing DHEA can have the effect of slowing down ageing, and improving those illnesses and conditions whose risks increase as we get older.

There have been some studies that corroborate that DHEA can indeed help in some areas, but there have been no clinical studies that show supplementing the diet with DHEA will have a marked benefit on reducing hypertension.  Although, there has been some suggestion that an increase in DHEA may elevate blood pressure and this is something that would need to be monitored closely.

Like any other necessary substance that the body needs to function well, a deficiency in DHEA can lead to a number of symptoms, including, fatigue, feeling depressed and anxious, sensitivity to noise and a loss of libido.

However, many of these symptoms can also be related to other conditions, and it would be good to get checked out by your doctor if they are persistent.

There are also physical signs of low levels of DHEA, and they include dry eyes and skin, loss of body hair from the pubic region, head and armpits and an increased likelihood of the skin becoming inflamed.

On the other hand, excessive amounts of DHEA can encourage greasy skin and hair, acne, body odour and women may find that they get increased facial and body hair growth.

As we get older the levels of DHEA reduce.  This may have led many to believe that there is therefore a causal link between high blood pressure and DHEA.  The evidence at the moment is not strong to suggest this link exists, and although there maybe further studies carried out in the future, a direct DHEA hypertension link at the moment does not seem to be compelling.

Don’t forget that you can sign up for the free Relieve Blood Pressure Newsletter and discover new and natural methods to manage high blood pressure. In the newsletter you’ll also find other ways to lower blood pressure along with more information on how to manage and maintain normal high blood pressure readings.

Malignant hypertension is when a person has very high blood pressure, and it is usually accompanied by a swelling of the optic nerve called papilledema, and can also lead to major organ damage.  In most cases the person’s blood pressure readings will be over 240 and 120 for their systolic and diastolic readings respectively.  

It is more common among people of African origin, but it can also affect those people who smoke heavily. Also, there is about 1% risk that if you have high blood pressure you may go on to develop malignant hypertension.

Unfortunately malignant hypertension does not restrict itself to a specific age group or gender; young children, young adults and pregnant women could all be susceptible to this problem as well.

As this particular condition is difficult to control (meaning bringing the blood pressure back down to a level that is considered to be normal) it can cause damage to other vital organs in the body as well, including the heart, brain, eyes, kidneys or a person’s blood vessels.  In most cases the damage caused to the major organs and the arteries can be irreparable.

Many people who suffer with this form of hypertension will very often exhibit certain symptoms such as headaches and vomiting.  Whilst for others they may find that they do not produce as much urine as normal.

Other symptoms include abnormal feelings in their limbs (arms and legs) as well as other areas of the body.  Plus there are the chances that a person will have problems with their vision becoming blurred or fuzzy.

A number of people may show some psychological and mental symptoms, including suffering with anxiety, and have difficulty becoming settled (restless), whilst others will be the complete opposite and feel sluggish and find it difficult to concentrate.

Another symptom of malignant hypertension includes chest pains and difficulty breathing (in some cases a cough may also be present) and potentially a general weakness in the body.

If caught early and immediate medical attention is administered to lower the elevated blood pressure, then damage can be minimized.  However, if the condition is allowed to continue, and the person effected does not seek immediate medical attention vital organs are likely to become damaged which can lead to severe complications or even death.

It cannot be stressed enough that if a person has not had their blood pressure checked recently, or they are showing the symptoms of hypertension then they should seek medical advice immediately.

The treatment of malignant high blood pressure needs to be carried out carefully.  The doctor will be aware that it is important to bring the elevated blood pressure under control as soon as possible.  But if the blood pressure is reduced too rapidly, then this can also cause complications for the person.

If you haven’t already done so, sign up for the free Relieve Blood Pressure Newsletter> and discover new and natural methods to manage high blood pressure. In the newsletter you’ll also find other ways to lower blood pressure along with more information on how to manage and maintain a normal high blood pressure reading.