Treatment of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease

Mark C. Houston

Abstract: Macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies are very common in the general population and may be even more common in patients with hypertension and cardiovascular disease due to genetic, environmental causes, and prescription drug use. The Hypertension Institute in Nashville, TN, has evaluated micronutrient deficiencies and oxidation status, in a group of hypertensive versus normotensive patients. There are significant differences in numerous intracellular micronutrients and oxidation status between these two groups. Replacement of the micronutrient deficiencies, as well as high-dose therapy of selected nutraceuticals in combination with an optimal diet, exercise, and weight management, resulted in control of blood pressure to goal levels in 62% of the hypertensive population (as defined by JNC 7) over a period of 6 months with complete tapering and discontinuation of antihypertensive drugs. These deficiencies will have an enormous impact on present and future cardiovascular health and outcomes such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, and renal disease, and overall health costs. It is estimated that the annual savings in drug costs alone for the treatment of hypertension could be as much as US$10 billion.