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Hypertension
Hypertension affects millions of people, worldwide. A tissue mineral analysis may be used to
assist in the evaluation and correction of many causes of hypertension. Oftentimes, identifying the
underlying causes can yield far better results. What can one look for on a hair analysis to evaluate
hypertension?
Fast Oxidation
In general, fast oxidizers are prone to hypertension due to constriction of the arteries. They are
in an alarm stage of stress. This is associated with relatively low tissue calcium and magnesium
levels. These elements help relax the arterial walls.
Fast oxidation is associated with excessive adrenal and thyroid activity which tends to raise
blood pressure.
Fast oxidizers with high sodium levels are prone to excess fluid retention and excessive blood
volume. This is a form of electrolyte stress that can raise blood pressure.
Fast oxidizers often have a low tissue zinc level. Zinc is needed to keep the arterial walls
flexible and for the regeneration and healing of arterial and other tissues. Low zinc is associated
with brittleness and hardening of the arteries.
Low zinc is also associated with inflammation of the arteries. This causes arterial walls to
become rough or weakened. The body then coats the arteries with plaque to prevent aneurysms
or further damage to the arteries. The value of aspirin in preventing heart attacks may be its
anti-inflammatory action.
Fast oxidizers often have a low tissue copper level. Copper is required for the cross-linking of
collagen protein that is essential for arterial integrity. Low copper is associated with
atherosclerosis. In addition to copper, fast oxidizers often benefit from supplements of L-taurine,
a calming nutrient which is very beneficial for the heart.
Fast oxidizers are also often 'type A' personalities. While this is not always the case,
personality and emotions may play an important role in their hypertension.
When fast oxidation is the primary cause, correction needs to begin by undoing this chronic
metabolic pattern using appropriate diet, supplements and lifestyle.
Slow Oxidation
Slow oxidizers also suffer from hypertension. Hardening of the arteries may be due to a
tendency for calcium to precipitate in the arterial walls, kidneys and elsewhere. Sodium,
potassium and magnesium are required to maintain calcium in a soluble form in the blood. Slow
oxidizers often have low tissue sodium and potassium levels and biounavailable magnesium.
A tissue level of calcium above 150 mgs. or so is a stronger indicator of possible calcium loss
or precipitation into the tissues. This may contribute to hardening of the arteries.
Many slow oxidizers are deficient in zinc and have biounavailable tissue copper. As stated
above, zinc and copper are essential nutrients for arterial integrity.
Slow oxidizers may have other imbalances leading to arterial problems. For example, often
they have impaired cell permeability. This can lead to cellular nutrient deficiencies, which may
result in arterial dysfunction. Slow oxidizers also often accumulate toxic metals due to their
impaired ability to remove these metals.
Toxic Metals
Cadmium can replace zinc in the arterial walls and causes the arteries to become brittle. The
body will then coat the arteries to prevent an aneurysm.
Although copper is an essential nutrient, excessive copper lowers vitamin C in the body.
Vitamin C is essential for connective tissue integrity.
Mercury, nickel, cadmium and other toxic metals accumulate in the kidneys. They can
damage the delicate tubules and other structures, resulting in an increase in blood pressure.
Lead replaces vital calcium in enzyme binding sites.
The Sodium/Potassium Ratio
On a hair analysis, inflammation is often indicated by a ratio of sodium to potassium greater
than 4.50 to 1. This mineral ratio is also associated with another hypertension pattern in some
people - excessive blood volume due to sodium retention.
Too much table salt, emotions such as anger, a deficiency of anti-inflammatory fatty acids, zinc
deficiency or toxic metals may all contribute to the pattern. High quality sea salt often does not
contribute to hypertension, due to its content of magnesium and other minerals. A low hair ratio
of sodium to potassium, particularly less than 1.5:1, is associated with protein catabolism, or
tissue breakdown. This is another possible cause of hypertension and other conditions such as
cardiomyopathy.
The calcium/magnesium ratio may also yield clues about hypertension. A high ratio may
indicate a tendency for calcium precipitation. This is because magnesium is required to keep
calcium in solution. An imbalanced calcium/magnesium ratio is also associated with excess
carbohydrates in the diet, which can lead to zinc deficiency and blood sugar intolerance.
Other Causes
Diet can play an important role in hypertension. However, eliminating all fat and salt often is
not required for correction, or even desirable. It depends on the cause of the condition.
Adequate vitamin B6 and folic acid help prevent excessive homocysteine levels associated
with cardiovascular disease.
Obesity, which can have many causes, is another important factor in hypertension. A hair
analysis may identify some of the causes, including excessive carbohydrates or fat in the diet,
sugar and carbohydrate intolerance, excessive toxic metals, thyroid and adrenal imbalances and
deficiencies of various trace elements.
Lifestyle is also important for hypertension. Mineral analysis cannot correct a smoking habit
or sedentary lifestyle. However, balancing body chemistry can restore one's energy so that one
feels like exercising, and has less need for stimulants and other harmful habits.
Many people have a combination of biochemical, dietary and lifestyle factors contributing to
their high blood pressure. Symptomatic treatment with prescription drugs or garlic, vitamin B6
and other remedies have a place. Bypass surgery or chelation therapy can temporarily clear the
arteries. However, addressing causes using hair analysis for both evaluation and correction can
produce far more permanent and satisfying results.
Copyright © 2001
This material is for educational purposes only
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
