May is "High Blood Pressure Awareness Month" as recognized by the National Institutes of Health and other leading health organizations. Dr. Decker Weiss, a Naturopathic Cardiologist at the Arizona Heart Hospital, favors natural solutions to heart health issues. He is urging everyone to understand the risk factors, seek diagnosis and treatment, and make immediate lifestyle changes. Dr. Weiss wants people to know if they are pre-hypertensive - a new category announced May 2003 by the National Heart, Lung,.and Blood Institute (NHLBI) - that includes an estimated 45 million American adults with blood pressures of 120-139 over 80-89.
"We previously referred to blood pressures in the 120-139/80-89 range as 'high-normal'," said Dr. Weiss. "But 'pre-hypertensive' is more accurate because it reminds people that their blood pressure is approaching the high range and they should take measures to keep it down. In fact, everyone should take measures to keep their blood pressure within the normal range. People with normal blood pressure at age 55 still have a 90% lifetime risk of developing hypertension.
Many people who are pre-hypertensive are seeking alternative solutions to avoid what they believe to be a lifetime of medication with side effects. "We know lifestyle choices - diet, exercise, reduced sodium intake - greatly impact blood pressure," said Dr. Weiss. "We also know that there are scientifically and clinically studied natural ingredients that lower high blood pressure:
> Stevia leaf extract - supports healthy blood pressure levels according to clinical studies*.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
> Hawthorne extract - supports the heart and balances sodium and fluid levels*.
> Olive leaf extract - scientifically shown to support healthy blood pressure*.
> Dandelion leaf- helps reduce fluid retention.*
> Lycopene - clinically shown to support arteries, circulation and heart health*.
"I believe they work even better in combination by including stevia and lycopene into the mix." In a recent study using these ingredients together, both systolic and diastolic levels were significantly lower. The maximum observed systolic blood pressure reduction was 20 mm/Hg, and 10 mm/Hg for diastolic. "The conclusion is that these ingredients allow people to manage BP naturally," said Dr. Weiss.
Dr. Weiss is the first naturopathic physician to complete a residency program in the Columbia Hospital System, the Arizona Heart Hospital and the prestigious Arizona Heart Institute Dr. Weiss is also the first naturopathic physician to be on staff at a conventional hospital, the Arizona Heart Hospital, where he has served for seven years and is the 1 st naturopathic physician to be chosen as a fellow of the American Society of Angiology. Dr. Weiss travels around the world training physicians and pharmacists on safer ways to use fewer prescriptions and provide more vitality to their patients with natural medicines.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.