(NaturalHealth365) New research has shown that smaller doses of blood pressure medicine can be just as effective as current recommended doses, and with fewer side effects. This means millions of people could be taking too much of these drugs and suffering unwanted side effects.

Doses as small as half the standard prescribed amount were found to be just as effective as a full dose, and without the common side effects. Researchers also found one-fourth the dose from two different hypertension medications to be just as effective as a full dose – again, without the negative side effects.

High blood pressure affects one in three American adults

For the research, results from 42 trials involving 20,284 people with high blood pressure were compared and analyzed. The individuals studied used different blood pressure medications at various doses from the five main classes: beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, thiazides and calcium channel blockers. However, some took no medication.

Quarter-dose therapies and dual quarter-dose therapies were compared with both standard doses and placebos. Across the boards, a “less is more” approach with hypertension medications was found to be effective.

An additional approach using four quarter doses from four different blood pressure medications was found to be twice as effective as one full dose of one medication. However, researchers weren’t sure about the potential side effects of this type of approach.

High blood pressure affects an estimated one in three American adults and around 1.13 billion people worldwide. And, in truth, only one in three persons with hypertension (high blood pressure) are successful in controlling it.

Fact: Risk factors for hypertension are related to genetics, diet and lifestyle choices

Blood pressure is considered high if it is above 140mmHg (systolic) and/or 90mmHg (diastolic). Around 88 percent of hypertension patients take blood pressure medications, but only one in three ever successfully gain control of it.

Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to major health issues including heart attack, stroke, vascular dementia and kidney disease. Persons with hypertension are around three times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke. They are also twice as likely to die from these issues.

The risk factors and causes of high blood pressure can vary, but some of the most common include being overweight, over age 65, of Caribbean or African descent, or having a genetic predisposition. Persons who eat too much salt, drink too much caffeine or alcohol, don’t exercise enough, don’t eat enough vegetables and fruits, and who don’t get adequate sleep are also at higher risk of hypertension.

Great news: You can lower blood pressure naturally through diet, exercise and simple lifestyle changes

The recent study results out of the University of New South Wales in Sydney suggest that millions of people may be suffering adverse side effects from blood pressure medications due to what amounts to an overdose. These symptoms often include headache, dizziness, insomnia, weakness and muscle cramps.

Finding ways to lower blood pressure naturally is key to preserving health and also avoiding the troublesome side effects of hypertension medications. Healthy lifestyle changes are the best way to lower blood pressure naturally.  Avoid the use of commercial (processed) salts, eat lots of organic fruits and vegetables – on a daily basis, minimize the consumption of toxic (trans) fats and be physically active.

If you must take blood pressure medication, ask your doctor about a combination therapy using smaller doses.

Bottom line: when you find the right program for you, disease symptoms can fade away as well as the need for pharmaceutical drugs.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk
AHAJournals.org