Life Extension Magazine  LE Magazine August 2006   By Heather S.
Oliff, PhD  Sadly, millions of Americans who think their blood
pressure is under control are wrong! Shocking evidence reveals
that most people treated with antihypertensive drugs still have
higher-than-optimal blood pressure.1,2 As a result, they remain
at a heightened risk of suffering stroke, heart attack, and
kidney failure.  Because hypertension (high blood pressure) is a
multifactorial problem,3 effective management is rarely achieved
by taking one drug. In fact, optimal management often requires a
broad-based approach that includes both pharmaceuticals and
nutritional components, along with regular self-monitoring of
blood pressure. Compelling evidence indicates that many
conditions that lead to and sustain high blood pressure can be
corrected through an integrative approach emphasizing lifestyle
modification, pharmaceutical agents, and nutritional
support.4-18  Perils of Inadequate Blood Pressure Control
Clinical studies now show that an