Blood pressure is tricky. A classic case explaining reason behind higher blood pressure and how it was addressed for the quick result.
Client – Male
Age- 41 years
Profession- Executive
Physical complaint- High blood pressure 150/90 mm/Hg from last one month
Probable reason- excessive smoking and alcohol consumption from years
Current Lifestyle- Relatively simple and clean food, high workload
Changes implemented before consulting me- stopped smoking and alcohol from last 3 months. Started following regular exercise regime.
Query- even after implementing lifestyle changes including quitting smoking and alcohol, blood pressure is staying around 150/90 mm/Hg which is a worrisome point.
What all needs to be corrected in this situation?
First step: Analyse blood work:
1. Fasting blood glucose: 112.2 (Impaired tolerance range is 100-125 mg/dl)
2. Total cholesterol level: 203.2 mg/dl (desirable is under 200)
At first glance one would think, report is not too bad. He has stopped smoking and consuming alcohol. Food is relatively clean. Exercise is better than before so now blood pressure should come in control.
Unfortunately, we try to see big picture and miss small details to address root cause. But recovery is possible only when we correct root cause.
Second step: Let’s dig deeper in the report.
1. Triglycerides: 354.4 mg/dl (high range 200-499)
2. HDL cholesterol: 37.1 mg/dl (desirable above 60)
3. SGPT levels – 73.2 ( desirable levels between 5-50 U/L)
-a sign of higher level of ugly triglycerides, lower level of good cholesterol and liver inflammation/ liver damage.
Inflamed liver, can lead to hypertension. Increased levels of triglycerides combined with low level of HDL cholesterol can increase risk of heart attack and stroke.
It’s utmost important to fix this to prevent further damage and focus on prevention.
Suggested lifestyle changes:
Diet changes focused on liver detox and cholesterol management. Also added beet, green tea/dark chocolate combination, milk thistle and moringa for faster result.
Achieved result in a month- blood pressure level 135/85 mm/ Hg already and on the path of getting better.
A classic case explaining reason behind higher blood pressure and how by addressing root cause, body starts healing at a faster pace.
