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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : October 8, 2014 11:06 AM IST
Probiotics found in yogurt, fermented and sour milk, cheese and dietary supplements not only improve the functioning of your gut but can also help lower high blood pressure. 'We believe probiotics might help lower blood pressure other than improving total cholesterol, reducing blood glucose and insulin resistance and regulating the hormone system,' explained Jing Sun, senior lecturer from Griffith Health Institute and School of Medicine at Griffith University in Australia.
During the study, researchers analysed results of nine high-quality studies examining blood pressure and probiotic consumption in 543 adults with normal and elevated blood pressure. They found that regular probiotic consumption lowered systolic blood pressure (the top number) by an average 3.56 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) by an average 2.38 mm Hg. The positive effects from probiotics on diastolic blood pressure were greatest in people whose blood pressure was equal to or greater than 130/85, which is considered elevated. (Read: Natural remedies for heart disease (Gallery))
Probiotics with multiple bacteria lowered blood pressure more than those with a single bacteria, the study found. 'Additional studies are needed before doctors can recommend probiotics for high blood pressure control and prevention,' Sun suggested. The research appeared in the journal Hypertension. (Read: 10 secrets to great heart health)
What are the dangers of uncontrolled BP?
Simply put, uncontrolled high blood pressure (HBP) can injure or kill you. Also known as 'the silent killer', high BP has no symptoms, making it very difficult to gauge how severely the condition is damaging your arteries, heart and other organs.
Here are the possible health consequences that occur over time:
Individuals whose blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mm Hg (140 systolic or 90 diastolic) often become patients treated for serious cardiovascular problems.
What complications can it lead to?
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to:
Heart attacks or stroke: High blood pressure can cause hardening and thickening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other complications.
Aneurysm: Increased blood pressure can cause your blood vessels to weaken and bulge, forming an aneurysm. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can be life-threatening.
Heart failure: In order to pump blood against the higher pressure in your blood vessels, your heart muscles thicken. Eventually, the thickened muscle may have a hard time pumping enough blood to meet your body's needs, which can lead to heart failure. Read more about Dangers and complications of high and uncontrolled blood pressure
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