A Vitamin D deficiency may be the cause behind some cases of high blood pressure a study released last year suggests. For several years it was just merely a theory that low levels of Vitamin D could put people at risk for hypertension, but the new study suggests that Vitamin D deficiencies in Caucasian women increases their risk for high blood pressure by nearly 300%. The study, which took place over 15 years, was conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, took data from approximately 560 women between the ages of 24 and 44, with the average age being 38. Blood work and blood pressure readings were taken every year, and any vitamin and mineral deficiencies were also recorded. When the 15 year study was concluded in 2007, the researchers found a link between women with Vitamin D deficiencies and hypertension.
There are several contributing factors to healthy blood pressure levels, including behavioral factors like exercise and diet, but things like ethnicity and gender do contribute to your risk level of high blood pressure as well. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that African Americans are the most likely to have high blood pressure in their lifetime, with African American women being most at risk. The risk of an African American woman in the United States developing high blood pressure in her lifetime is around 45%, which is almost double that of a Caucasian woman which is around 28%.
The study allowed new insight into a new possibly dangerous cause of high blood pressure while also giving doctors a new way to help prevent the disease that is effecting millions of people in the United States, with nearly a quarter not even aware they are suffering from elevated blood pressure levels. Vitamin D is essential for overall health, especially bone health, which is why keeping high levels of Vitamin D is so important. Women have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis – a bone condition – and are highly encouraged to increase their calcium intake. After the release of this study, an increase in Vitamin D might also be a good idea to help fight off the chance of developing hypertension. Consume at least 400 IUs of Vitamin D daily, and as much as 600 IUs if you are over the age of 50. A great source of Vitamin D is the sun, even if you are spending as little as 10 minutes of direct sunlight per day. There are also several natural ways to lower high blood pressure, such as potassium and vitamin c, and a new revolutionary natural supplement called ion eXtra.
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