High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow Pictures Take the Salt Quiz! Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Other Therapy

Alternative therapies may be helpful to people trying to control their blood pressure.

• Acupuncture and biofeedback are well-accepted alternative techniques that may help some people with high blood pressure.
  
  
• Techniques that induce relaxation and reduce stress are recommended. These include meditation, yoga, and relaxation training.
  
  
• These techniques alone may not control high blood pressure for many people. They should not be used as a substitute for medical therapy without first consulting with your health care practitioner.

Dietary supplements and alternative medications and therapies are sometimes recommended for high blood pressure.

• Examples include vitamins, garlic, fish oil, L-arginine, soy, coenzyme Q10, herbs, phytosterols, and chelation therapy.
  
  
• While these substances may be beneficial, the exact nature of their benefits is not known.
  
  
• Scientific studies have produced no evidence that these therapies lower blood pressure or prevent the complications of high blood pressure.
  
  
• Most of these substances are harmless if taken in moderate doses. Most people can take them without problems.
  
  
• Talk to your health care practitioner if you are considering any of these treatments. Substituting these therapies for medical therapies that have been shown to lower blood pressure and the risk of complications may have a harmful effect on your health.