Managing High Blood Pressure: A Comprehensive Guide for Canadians
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common yet serious health condition affecting millions worldwide. While medications play a key role in managing hypertension, many people are also exploring natural and holistic approaches to complement traditional treatments.
Naturopathic care offers a range of therapies focused on improving overall well-being, addressing the root causes of high blood pressure, and promoting healthier lifestyles. In this blog post, we’ll explore how naturopathic treatments can support the management of high blood pressure, answer common questions about the condition, and provide insights into the natural therapies that may help lower blood pressure effectively.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Understanding the Basics
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. Imagine water flowing through a garden hose—if the pressure is too high, it can strain the hose. Similarly, high blood pressure can put extra stress on your blood vessels and vital organs.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when your arteries become less flexible, narrower, or when your body experiences higher fluid volume. Common causes include:
- Being overweight
- Excess salt intake
- Lack of physical activity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Chronic stress
- Poor sleep habits
- Genetics and aging
- Preexisting health conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease)
- Certain medications or supplements
- Pregnancy-related changes
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It typically refers to blood pressure readings of 130/80 mmHg or higher in adults. Left unmanaged, hypertension can damage blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it usually shows no obvious symptoms. However, in some cases, people may experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
⚠️ Note: If these symptoms occur suddenly or become severe, seek immediate medical attention.

High Blood Pressure for Women:
What causes high blood pressure in women?
Hormonal changes, especially around pregnancy and menopause, can influence blood pressure. Women who take birth control pills, have a family history of hypertension or struggle with obesity are also more likely to develop high blood pressure.
⚠️ lifestyle factors mentioned above
What is a dangerously high blood pressure for a woman?
A blood pressure reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher is considered a hypertensive crisis for women and men alike. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent complications such as organ damage, stroke, or heart attack.
What does high blood pressure feel like for a woman?
Many women experience no symptoms at all. Others may notice headaches, fatigue, feeling flushed or lightheaded, and increased anxiety. Pregnancy can also bring special forms of high blood pressure (preeclampsia), which may cause swelling and protein in the urine.

Assessment: Understanding and Monitoring Blood Pressure
Accurate blood pressure measurement is essential for understanding your heart health. Blood pressure is measured using a cuff (sphygmomanometer) placed on your upper arm. The cuff inflates to temporarily halt blood flow, then releases, allowing blood to flow again. This process records two key numbers:
- Systolic Pressure (Top Number): The pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
- Diastolic Pressure (Bottom Number): The pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Healthy Blood Pressure Ranges
- Normal: Around 120/80 mmHg or lower.
- Elevated: 130–139/80–89 mmHg.
- High (Hypertension): 140/90 mmHg or higher.
If your readings consistently fall above these ranges, consult a healthcare provider.
When to Measure Blood Pressure
- High blood pressure: Once or twice daily (or as advised by your doctor).
- General health monitoring: A few times monthly or during routine checkups.
Regular monitoring helps you track changes and ensures your blood pressure stays within a healthy range. To learn more about proper techniques and tips for monitoring your blood pressure, read “How to Assess and Monitor Your Blood Pressure: A Complete Guide.“

Treatment for High Blood Pressure
Preventing High Blood Pressure
- Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Aim for half your plate to be fresh produce and aim for around 30g of fiber per day.
- Limit processed foods and reduce salt intake.
- Manage stress effectively.
- Quit smoking if you smoke.
- Limit alcohol to 4 or fewer servings per week.
Controlling High Blood Pressure
Work with your healthcare provider on a personalized plan that may include medications, supplements, dietary changes, regular exercise, and stress management. Monitoring your blood pressure at home and maintaining a healthy BMI are also key steps.
Quick Relief Tip for Stress-Induced Spikes
Although there’s no quick cure for high blood pressure, stress relief techniques like the 4-7-8 breathing method can help temporarily lower it. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Repeat for 3 minutes.
For a deeper dive into managing high blood pressure, read “Effective Treatment Options for Managing High Blood Pressure”.
Diet and Healthy Eating for Blood Pressure Management
A heart-healthy diet like the DASH diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein sources. It avoids excess salt, sugar, saturated fat, and processed foods high in sodium. Adding nuts, seeds, and drinks like hibiscus tea can also support lower blood pressure. Always consult a medical professional before making dietary, lifestyle, or supplement changes.
Quick tips to reduce your sodium intake:
- Read food labels and choose low-sodium products.
- Swap sodium salt for potassium salt at the table; season more with herbs and spices. Rinse canned beans and vegetables to remove extra salt.
- Cut back on processed and fast foods.
For more detailed advice, check out our blog post, “Best Diet and Healthy Eating Tips for Lowering Blood Pressure”.

Medicine and High Blood Pressure Management
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious condition that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Managing it requires medications, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring, but choosing the right treatments can be overwhelming.
The Most Popular Medication for High Blood Pressure
Several medications are commonly prescribed to manage high blood pressure, including:
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril)
- ARBs (e.g., losartan)
- Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol)
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine)
- Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
The choice of medication depends on your overall health and any underlying conditions. Always consult a medical professional before starting or changing any medication.
When Is Medication Necessary
Medication is recommended when lifestyle changes aren’t enough to control blood pressure or if other health conditions are present, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or heart problems. It is also necessary for severe hypertension (above 180/120 mmHg) or when there’s a high risk of heart disease or stroke. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment if required.
For detailed insights on popular medications, how they work, side effects, and alternative solutions, read this article: “Understanding Medications for High Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know”.
Contact a Medical Professional
When to Contact a Medical Professional?
- Consistently high readings: If your blood pressure remains at or above 140/90 mmHg.
- Severe symptoms: Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe headaches, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
- Signs of stroke or heart attack: Sudden numbness, weakness, trouble speaking, severe headache, chest pain, or difficulty breathing are signs of emergencies.
- Uncontrolled blood pressure: If your home readings stay high despite taking medication or making lifestyle changes, contact your healthcare provider.
When is blood pressure high enough to go to the hospital?
A reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher is considered a hypertensive crisis. If you experience this level of blood pressure along with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe headache, seek medical attention immediately.

Naturopathic approaches to hypertension
Naturopathic doctors focus on a holistic approach, addressing the root causes of high blood pressure by integrating nutrition, herbal remedies, stress management, and gentle exercise programs. They complement conventional treatments by enhancing overall well-being, with the goal of both managing hypertension and promoting better health.
Naturopathic Blood Pressure Management
- Herbal remedies (e.g., hawthorn, garlic)
- Nutritional counselling to lower sodium and boost potassium
- Functional foods (e.g., flaxseeds, hibiscus tea, cocoa, pomegranate, green tea)
- Supplements (e.g., magnesium, omega-3s, probiotics)
- Lifestyle changes (e.g., improve sleep, reduce alcohol, weight loss)
- Stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
- Collaboration with medical doctors if medication is needed
If you’d like to learn how naturopathic treatments can help control your blood pressure naturally, read “How Naturopathic Treatments Can Help Manage High Blood Pressure Naturally“.
FAQs
Can anxiety or stress cause high blood pressure?
Yes, stress and anxiety can temporarily raise blood pressure. Chronic stress may also contribute to long-term hypertension. Managing stress through exercise, counselling, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness can help keep blood pressure levels in check.
How to get rid of high blood pressure headache instantly?
There’s no guaranteed instant fix. Lying down in a dark, quiet room, practicing slow, deep breathing and hydrating can help ease headache discomfort. Another trick is to apply heat to your feet and hands and an ice pack to the head. If headaches are severe or frequent, speak to a naturopath or doctor.
Does high blood pressure cause dizziness?
Yes, high blood pressure can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when blood pressure fluctuates quickly. If you experience frequent episodes of dizziness, seek medical advice.
Can Naturopathic care help high blood pressure?
Yes, naturopathic care can be an effective part of managing hypertension. By focusing on lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and natural therapies, it can complement traditional medical treatments and help improve overall cardiovascular health.
Which Naturopathic doctor should I see to control high blood pressure?
When selecting a naturopathic doctor, choose one who is licensed, experienced, and knowledgeable in cardiovascular health. Look for a practitioner with a solid reputation and verify if they collaborate with or refer to medical doctors when necessary for comprehensive care.
Take Charge of Your Blood Pressure Naturally
Managing high blood pressure is crucial for your overall health, and naturopathic treatments can be an effective part of your plan. From herbal remedies to stress reduction, these natural approaches can complement your current treatment and help support healthy blood pressure.