Meet Tom. He’s your everyday American—perhaps carrying an extra 10 pounds, living a relatively balanced life. No history of significant health concerns, no nasty habits. Yet, within him, a subtle adversary challenges his heart: high blood pressure. No other health issues, just hypertension. 

Tom is labeled with essential or primary hypertension. Often, the medical community hastily labels such cases as “idiopathic,” nudging patients towards a path of medication. But that’s not the only answer, and definitely not the best one. And there is nothing “essential” about it. The name itself doesn’t make sense. 

Rather than simply masking symptoms with pills, there’s merit in delving deeper into understanding the actual drivers. By prioritizing root causes, primary hypertension is entirely reversible. 

What is Primary Hypertension? 

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, means that there is too much pressure inside your arteries. Think of your arteries as garden hoses carrying blood from your heart to the rest of your body. When the pressure inside these hoses is too high, they can get damaged. Over time, this excessive force on the artery walls can lead to various health problems.

Essential, also known as primary or idiopathic hypertension, refers to high blood pressure where secondary causes, like kidney disease, aren’t the reason. It represents a whopping 95 percent of all hypertension cases. 

Here’s how doctors pinpoint it: if, on two or more separate visits, your diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) averages 90 mm Hg or more, or your systolic blood pressure (top number) consistently hits 140 mm Hg or above, you’re diagnosed with hypertension. 

What causes Primary Hypertension? 

While doctors often label hypertension as “idiopathic,” suggesting an unknown origin, the causes are rooted in our modern lifestyles. The culprits include:

• Dietary Choices: Consumption of processed foods, sugars, gluten, GMOs, and artificial additives.
• Nutrient Deficiency: Not receiving the vital nutrients our bodies need.
• Sleep Deprivation: Not getting enough quality sleep.
• Sedentary Habits: Leading a lifestyle with minimal physical activity.
• Lack of Sunlight: Not spending enough time in natural sunlight.
• Stress: Living a consistently stressful lifestyle.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental toxins.
• Nervous System: An imbalanced nervous system can contribute.
• Indoor Lifestyle: Spending excessive time indoors, away from nature.
• Toxic Exposure: The presence of mold or heavy metals in one’s surroundings.
• Electrosmog: Overexposure to electronic devices and their emissions.

In short, violations of our method, Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well. 

And as if these weren’t enough, obesity can amplify these effects. Studies have found that each 10 percent weight gain is associated with a 6.5 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure.

Many argue that hypertension is just “in the genes.” But while genetics might set the stage, our lifestyle choices play the starring role. As the saying goes, genetics may load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger. 

Managing Hypertension

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, addressing the root causes is crucial. Reflect on the factors listed above: are you consuming too many processed foods? Do you lead a sedentary lifestyle or find yourself constantly stressed? 

While medications can reduce blood pressure, they don’t extinguish the underlying issues. Think of it as putting a lid on a pot of boiling water – the heat is still there, even if you can’t see the steam. The real solution lies in diving deep, identifying those causes in your life, and taking steps to address them. 

For a more in-depth article about hypertension, click here. 

We also have an online course for people with high blood pressure. Click here for more info. 

Next Steps

Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure and feel unsure about the path forward? Let us guide you. Consider scheduling a complimentary 20-minute consultation with one of our seasoned health coaches at NHD. 

Our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to help you navigate through your health journey. Let’s work together to ensure your heart remains robust and resilient, paving the way for your 100 year heart. Your health is an investment, not an expense. Make the choice to prioritize it today.