Lowering Blood Pressure Part 2: Supplements

This is the second in my two part series about lowering blood pressure.  For  Lowering Blood Pressure Part 1: Foods, click here.


High blood pressure or hypertension, is the most common cardiovascular disease.  Approximately 73 million Americans have high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.  Hypertension risk factors include obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and heredity. While hypertension is defined as a reading of 140/90, people with 120/80 are considered pre-hypertensive and are at high risk of developing high blood pressure. [webmd] 

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Supplements that may help lower high blood pressure:
  
1. Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound found naturally in the energy-producing center of the cell known as the mitochondria. CoQ10 is involved in making an important molecule known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP serves as the cell's major energy source and drives a number of biological processes, including muscle contraction and the production of protein. CoQ10 also works as an antioxidant...

Several clinical studies involving small numbers of people suggest that CoQ10 may lower blood pressure. However, it may take 4 - 12 weeks before you will see any beneficial effects. In fact, after reviewing 12 clinical studies, researchers concluded that CoQ10 has the potential to lower systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 10 mm Hg, without significant side effects. [University of Maryland]

 2. Omega-3 Fish Oil

Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish oil and certain plant/nut oils. Fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), while some nuts (English walnuts) and vegetable oils (canola, soybean, flaxseed/linseed, olive) contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
There is evidence from multiple studies supporting intake of recommended amounts of DHA and EPA in the form of dietary fish or fish oil supplements lowers triglycerides, reduces the risk of death, heart attack, dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes in people with known cardiovascular disease, slows the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques ("hardening of the arteries"), and lowers blood pressure slightly. However, high doses may have harmful effects, such as an increased risk of bleeding. Although similar benefits are proposed for alpha-linolenic acid, scientific evidence is less compelling, and beneficial effects may be less pronounced. [Mayo Clinic]

3. Lycopene

Clinical research conducted at Ben-Gurion University, Israel shows that lycopene complex, a tomato extract, reduces blood pressure in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in red produce such as tomatoes and tomato products, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.
At the end of the 8-week study period, participants' systolic blood pressure dropped to an average of 134 mm Hg from an average of 144 mm Hg, while diastolic pressure dropped to about 83 mm Hg from an average of about 87 mm Hg. [Rejuvenation Science]

 Prevention.com also listed magnesium supplements, melatonin, and soy milk as reducers of blood pressure.

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Please consult your health practitioner before beginning any supplements or changing your medication regimen.  I am a health enthusiast, not an expert.