I recently received a communication from a customer who had purchased my high blood pressure treatment and was also interested in treatment for depression. In his communication he joked that he didn’t know if he was depressed because of his high blood pressure or if he had high blood pressure because he was depressed.
Several studies have shown, however, this is not a joke and the two can be linked. There are studies covering both depression as the primary condition with high blood pressure as the side effect and the reverse.
First let’s start with the link between depression and high blood pressure. Studies have shown that people who suffer from long-term depression or anxiety disorders have been two to three times as likely to develop high blood pressure.
This finding isn’t that surprising when one considers that often times, a person who is suffering from depression or anxiety is more likely to drink, smoke or over eat. Additionally, these same studies have shown that depression sufferers are more likely to be inconsistent in treatment of the high blood pressure than those who don’t suffer from depression.
What was surprising was that even those in the study who did not drink to excess, smoke or weren’t obese were also suffering from high blood pressure. What isn’t known is exactly why.
Many believe there are hormonal changes in a person suffering from long term depression or anxiety that increase high blood pressure, putting the otherwise healthy person at a higher risk for stroke or heart attack.
Evidence has also shown that many anti-depressant medicines actually raise blood pressure slightly, but long term nonetheless.
So in short, there does appear to be a direct link between depression and high blood pressure although attributing a single reason would be difficult.
Now let’s consider the reverse; a link between high blood pressure and depression.
While studies have shown that there is a link between high blood pressure and depression, the results indicate that this is largely due to the side effects of the hypertensive treatment drugs themselves – depression, bloating, dizziness and dry mouth.
Here again, in an attempt to gain relief for one condition through medication – we can end up suffering additional problems.
In addition, the mental stress of knowing one is suffering physically from a serious condition can very well lead to anxiety or depression over time.
Stress tends to be the culprit of a number of physical problems so it’s no wonder that it contributes to both high blood pressure and depression alike.
Regardless of the reason for high blood pressure, the following natural remedies have been shown effective in lowering blood pressure:
Drink in moderation. Some people experience high blood pressure after just one or two drinks and therefore, probably shouldn’t drink at all.
Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking is related to over 30% of heart disease deaths.
Eat properly. Many people who suffer from depression turn to “comfort foods” which tend to be of little nutritional value and high in fat. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and reduce fat in your diet.
If you are struggling with these issues, I also suggest my natural programs. Both the High Blood Pressure Program and Weight Loss Breeze Program are extremely effective and quite simple.
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