This is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a
"best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute
personal advice.
It is essential that you discuss medical matters with your doctor.
Please read the site terms of use.
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What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is a problem suffered by many people, often
without them being aware of it. It has been estimated that in the USA alone
more than 50 million people suffer from high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is in essence hypertension - the blood is being pumped through the
system
unusually fast and powerfully. This constant exertion of force can lead to
damage to the arteries leading in turn to heart attack and/or stroke. If you suspect you
may have high blood pressure then it is essential that you discuss it with your doctor.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is usually divided by doctors into "essential hypertension" and
"secondary hypertension".
"Secondary hypertension" refers to the case where the high blood pressure is the
result of some known factor such as kidney disease. "Essential hypertension"
refers to the case where there is no obvious single cause of high blood pressure.
There are many factors that can contribute to essental high blood pressure, the most
common of which are lifestyle related. Smoking and high levels of saturated fat intake can both contribute significantly
to an elevated level of blood pressure.
If your doctor doesn't identify a particular
cause then he or she could well recommend diet and exercise. Losing some weight, lowering
bad cholesterol levels and reducing salt intake can
assist many people in lowering their blood pressure.
Garlic and Blood Pressure
Garlic is not a substitute for prescription medicine or lifestyle changes, however
it has long had a reputation for assisting with blood pressure management. The research
data is not conclusive, however it does appear that there is some evidence to support the
role of garlic in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure (1).
It appears
that the reputed beneficial effects of garlic on blood pressure come more from
the garlic sulphides than from allicin.
Unlike allicin, garlic sulphides are not destroyed by cooking.
Garlic might also assist blood pressure indirectly by helping to manage
cholesterol levels.
Finally, extra garlic can be used as a seasoning, thus reducing the need for
salt.
If you think you have high blood pressure then you should consult your doctor first.
References:
(1): Health Effects of Garlic: American Family Physician
Garlic Central is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a
"best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute
personal advice.
Always discuss medical matters with your doctor.
Please read the site terms of use.
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