Kelly.oconnor: Created

2025-05-08T02:44:02Z

Created

New page

== What Does It Mean? ==

* Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls remains consistently elevated.
* It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
* Functional medicine seeks to address the root causes, including dietary imbalances, metabolic dysfunction, chronic stress, and inflammation.

== How Did We Get Here? ==

=== Root Causes & Contributing Factors: ===

* Dietary Factors: Excess sodium intake, low potassium, and poor hydration.
* Inflammation & Oxidative Stress: Chronic inflammation can contribute to endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness.
* Metabolic Dysfunction: Insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia are closely linked to hypertension.
* Stress & Hormonal Imbalances: Increased cortisol levels due to chronic stress can elevate blood pressure.
* Genetics & Epigenetics: Family history and genetic predisposition play a role in hypertension risk.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Often asymptomatic until severe complications arise.
* Headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds in advanced cases.
* Vision problems and chest discomfort in severe hypertension.
* Fatigue or confusion due to inadequate oxygen delivery.

=== Lab Test Findings ===
The following lab tests help evaluate hypertension and its underlying causes:
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test Name'''
|'''Expected Changes'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|Alkaline Phosphatase
|Increased
|45.00-100.00 U/L
|-
|ALT (SGPT)
|Increased
|10.00-26.00 U/L
|-
|AST (SGOT)
|Increased
|10.00-26.00 U/L
|-
|Arachidonic Acid (AA)
|Increased
|8.6-15.6 µg/mL
|-
|Antistreptolysin O (ASO) Antibody
|Increased
|0-200 IU/mL
|-
|C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
|Increased
|0.00-0.55 mg/L
|-
|Calcium
|Altered
|8.90-9.50 mg/dL
|-
|Cholesterol, Serum
|Increased
|180.00-220.00 mg/dL
|-
|Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
|Increased
|0.00-1.00 mm/hr
|-
|Ferritin
|Altered
|45.00-79.00 ng/mL
|-
|Fibrinogen Activity
|Increased
|175.00-300.00 mg/dL
|-
|Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
|Increased
|10.00-30.00 U/L
|-
|Glucose, Serum
|Increased
|75.00-86.00 mg/dL
|-
|Hemoglobin (Female)
|Altered
|13.50-14.50 g/dL
|-
|Homocysteine
|Increased
|5.00-7.20 µmol/L
|-
|Iron, Total
|Altered
|85.00-130.00 µg/dL
|-
|LDL Cholesterol Direct
|Increased
|80.00-99.99 mg/dL
|-
|Magnesium, Serum
|Altered
|2.20-2.50 mg/dL
|-
|Platelet Count
|Altered
|190.00-300.00 ×10³/µL
|-
|Potassium
|Altered
|4.00-4.50 mEq/L
|-
|RBC (Male)
|Altered
|4.20-4.90 Cells/µL
|-
|Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH)
|Altered
|1.00-2.00 µU/mL
|-
|Triglycerides, Serum
|Increased
|70.00-80.00 mg/dL
|-
|Uric Acid (Male)
|Altered
|3.50-5.40 mg/dL
|-
|WBC
|Altered
|5.5-7.5 Cells/µL
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==
Treatment aims to address root causes, improve vascular health, and support metabolic balance.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Vita-Trim
|Supports vascular function and reduces inflammation
|Per protocol
|-
|Vita B Methyl
|Aids in stress management and homocysteine regulation
|Per protocol
|-
|Novo Hepatic
|Enhances liver detoxification and metabolic balance
|Per protocol
|-
|Levo Plasmin
|Supports blood flow and prevents vascular stiffness
|Per protocol
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Dietary Adjustments: Increase potassium intake (leafy greens, bananas), reduce sodium, and emphasize whole foods.
* Physical Activity: Engage in moderate aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes weekly.
* Stress Reduction: Incorporate mindfulness, deep breathing, and sleep optimization.
* Anti-inflammatory Support: Include omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and polyphenol-rich foods.

Hypertension - Revision history

Kelly.oconnor: Created