Hypertension
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:
| 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
| 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.