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January 11, 2019

Integrative Hypertension Treatment: Testing, Lifestyle, Supplements & Medication

Learn how to manage hypertension with an integrative approach that combines precise diagnostics, proven supplements like magnesium glycinate and Vascanox, peptide therapy, and early use of appropriate medications.

Integrative Hypertension Treatment: Testing, Lifestyle, Supplements & Medication

Integrative Hypertension Treatment: Testing, Lifestyle, Supplements & Medication

Hypertension remains one of the most pervasive chronic health challenges of our time, affecting nearly half of all American adults. Yet despite its prevalence, it often goes undetected, undertreated, or mismanaged—leading to devastating outcomes such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Fortunately, modern functional and integrative medicine gives us a powerful edge in managing high blood pressure. By combining advanced diagnostics, evidence-based nutrition, precision supplementation, peptide therapies, and targeted medications, we can offer patients safer, more effective long-term solutions.

In this article, we’ll explore the root causes of hypertension, highlight the importance of accurate testing (including central blood pressure and hormone labs), and offer a comprehensive, tiered treatment approach grounded in both conventional guidelines and integrative insights.

Understanding Hypertension: Definitions & Categories

In 2017, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) revised the diagnostic thresholds for hypertension, lowering the bar for diagnosis to encourage earlier intervention. The current categories are:

  • Normal: Systolic <120 mmHg and diastolic <80 mmHg

  • Elevated: Systolic 120–129 mmHg and diastolic <80 mmHg

  • Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic 130–139 mmHg or diastolic 80–89 mmHg

  • Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg

  • Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic >180 mmHg and/or diastolic >120 mmHg

These categories reflect our growing understanding that even modest elevations in blood pressure increase cardiovascular risk over time.

Accurate Blood Pressure Evaluation: Clinic + Home Monitoring

Diagnosing and monitoring hypertension isn’t as straightforward as a single reading. At Revolution Health, we prioritize accuracy and consistency in blood pressure measurement.

In-Clinic Evaluation

Every patient should begin with properly taken in-office blood pressure measurements:

  • Seated with feet flat on the floor for at least 5 minutes

  • Arm supported at heart level

  • Appropriate cuff size and placement

  • At least two readings spaced by 1–2 minutes

We avoid the common errors that plague many primary care settings and skew results.

At-Home Monitoring

To capture a more complete picture, we recommend patients also track at-home blood pressure, ideally morning and evening, for at least 7 consecutive days.

For this, we strongly recommend the Withings BPM Connect, a Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff that transmits data directly to our clinic through our Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM) system. This allows us to observe trends and identify white coat or masked hypertension—crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Central Blood Pressure: A Better Predictor of Cardiovascular Risk

Peripheral blood pressure (as measured from the arm) doesn’t always tell the full story. Central blood pressure—the pressure your organs and brain are actually experiencing—is a much more accurate predictor of cardiovascular events and target organ damage.

Unfortunately, central BP is not routinely measured in most practices. At Revolution Health, we offer central blood pressure assessments as part of our advanced cardiovascular risk evaluation. This helps us guide treatment decisions with greater precision.

Essential Labs for Hypertension Evaluation

Hypertension is rarely "essential" in nature (i.e., without cause). Often, it’s the symptom of deeper imbalances. That’s why we routinely assess the following:

1. CardiaX Genetic Test

This advanced cardiovascular genetic panel reveals predispositions to salt sensitivity, methylation issues, oxidative stress, and poor detoxification—factors that contribute to stubborn hypertension.

2. Plasma Renin Activity (PRA) and Aldosterone

These two labs are recommended by national guidelines to determine the underlying hormone profile of hypertension:

  • High renin/high aldosterone: May benefit from ACE inhibitors or ARBs

  • Low renin/high aldosterone: Suggestive of primary aldosteronism

  • Low renin/low aldosterone: May indicate low-renin essential hypertension or other pathology

3. PULS Test

This test measures endothelial inflammation and predicts your 5-year risk of an acute coronary event—even if you have no symptoms. It's especially important for anyone with elevated blood pressure and a family history of heart disease.

4. Micronutrient Panel

Nutrient deficiencies—particularly in magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, and CoQ10—are frequently overlooked contributors to hypertension.

5. Toxin Testing

Heavy metals like lead and cadmium, as well as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can elevate blood pressure by damaging the endothelium, impairing kidney function, or altering hormone signaling.

An Integrative Plan to Lower Blood Pressure

The earlier we intervene, the better the long-term outcomes. This is why medication is often indicated early, especially in stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension. However, by addressing root causes and supporting the body, many patients can reduce or eliminate medications over time.

Lifestyle: Foundational Interventions

  1. DASH Diet: Emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Clinically proven to lower BP by 8–14 mmHg.

  2. Traditional Mediterranean Diet: Rich in omega-3s, polyphenols, and monounsaturated fats; associated with lower cardiovascular risk and improved endothelial function.

  3. Exercise: 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity (e.g., walking, cycling, swimming) can reduce systolic BP by up to 10 mmHg.

  4. Stress Management: Mindfulness meditation, HRV biofeedback, and adequate sleep are crucial for regulating blood pressure.

Key Supplements for Hypertension

A strategic supplement regimen is one of the most impactful tools in functional cardiology:

  • Magnesium Glycinate: Supports vasodilation, reduces vascular resistance, and calms the nervous system.

  • Vascanox HP: A powerful nitric oxide enhancer that improves endothelial flexibility and blood flow.

  • Arterosil HP: Supports repair of the endothelial glycocalyx, the fragile lining that controls vascular permeability and blood pressure.

  • CoQ10: Clinical studies show reductions in systolic BP by 10–17 mmHg with CoQ10 supplementation. CoQ10 blood levels should be maintained above 2.0 mcg/mL.

Additional options to consider based on testing:

  • Potassium Citrate or Gluconate

  • Omega 1300

  • Vitamin D (optimize to 70-90 ng/mL)

Peptide Therapies That Support Blood Pressure Regulation

Peptides may offer an innovative and adjunctive solution to support vascular health and inflammation reduction:

  • BPC-157: Supports endothelial healing and reduces systemic inflammation, especially valuable in toxin-associated or inflammatory hypertension.

  • Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500): Promotes endothelial repair and modulates immune response.

  • KPV: A potent anti-inflammatory tripeptide that may benefit those with vascular inflammation contributing to hypertension.

  • GH Secretagogues (e.g., CJC-1295, Tesamorelin, Ipamorelin) may indirectly support cardiovascular health via body composition optimization and reduced insulin resistance.

All peptide therapies should be physician-supervised and tailored to each patient’s underlying pathology and lab profile.

Medications: Early Intervention, Smart Choices

When medications are necessary—and they often are early on—we follow evidence-based guidelines while avoiding outdated therapies.

First-Line Options:

  • Dihydropyridine CCBs: Amlodipine or nifedipine—effective at lowering BP without harming metabolic health.

  • ACE Inhibitors or ARBs: Especially useful for those with high renin profiles or comorbid diabetes.

Second-Line or Add-On Options:

  • Carvedilol or Nebivolol: Newer-generation beta blockers with vasodilating properties and fewer metabolic side effects.

  • SARAs (Selective Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists): Ideal for those with elevated aldosterone, genetics as identified on CardiaX above, or salt sensitivity.

Medications to Avoid:

  • Traditional Beta Blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol): Ineffective in primary hypertension and potentially harmful metabolically.

  • Thiazide Diuretics like HCTZ: Not recommended for modern hypertension treatment. Learn why in our article “Never Take Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)”.

Final Thoughts: Precision, Not One-Size-Fits-All

Hypertension doesn’t have to be a lifelong diagnosis. When we dig deeper—through personalized testing, advanced imaging, genetic risk panels, and lifestyle optimization—we discover that blood pressure is a symptom we can understand and reverse.

At Revolution Health, we’re proud to offer the most comprehensive, integrative hypertension care in Oklahoma, including:

  • In-clinic and remote BP monitoring

  • Central blood pressure assessments

  • Genetic and hormone-based testing

  • Micronutrient and toxin evaluation

  • Supplement protocols rooted in science

  • Safe, cutting-edge peptides

  • Medication plans tailored to your physiology

Take Action Now

If you or a loved one is struggling with elevated blood pressure—or want to prevent it before it starts—schedule your evaluation today. We’ll assess your numbers, identify the root causes, and develop a plan that works for your body—not against it.

Call us or book online to get started.
Already diagnosed? Ask about our CardiaX, PULS, and central blood pressure testing today.

References

  1. Whelton PK, et al. "2017 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults." Hypertension. 2018.

  2. Bliziotis IA, et al. “Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Blood Pressure.” J Hum Hypertens. 2005.

  3. Houston MC. "Nutrition and Supplements in the Treatment of Hypertension." Cardiol Clin. 2017.

  4. Barrios V, et al. "Role of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Testing in Hypertension." J Clin Hypertens. 2019.

  5. Taddei S, et al. "Central vs. Brachial Blood Pressure in the Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension." Curr Hypertens Rep. 2014.

  6. Morris ZS, et al. "Endothelial Glycocalyx and Arterial Health." Atherosclerosis. 2020.

  7. Rakusan D, et al. "BPC-157 and Its Role in Cardiovascular and Vascular Healing." Curr Pharm Des. 2021.