Before giving medications for essential hypertension (high blood pressure which is “spontaneous” rather than secondary to disease of the kidneys or some other organ), the doctor will usually try to help his patient by recommending lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and a restricted salt intake. Usually, only when such measures have been tried for some months and have failed will the doctor prescribe a medication.
Now,Drug Therapy (16#11:63) reports, many physicians are also recommending a calcium supplement as part of the lifestyle change. They are doing this because so many of us do not get sufficient calcium to maintain our tissues in good health, and, in some cases, this leads to hypertension. For example, studies at Oregon University revealed that 50 people with hypertension took 22 percent less calcium in their food than did people with normal blood pressure. Also, according to Medical World News, epidemiological data strongly suggest that salt causes less hypertension if taken with calcium, too. Since calcium is less expensive and much less likely to cause side effects than blood pressure medications, it is worth trying.
However, one must not overdo this calcium supplementation since, in excess, it will produce kidney stones, constipation, confusion, vomiting, etc. The safest sources of calcium are low-fat dairy products such as skim milk and cottage cheese, although some dairy products that are good sources of calcium also contain fat and cholesterol, which can lead to atherosclerosis. If you decide to take calcium in tablet form, calcium carbonate is the least expensive and safest product. In any event, never take more than is recommended, and take it in divided doses three times a day rather than all at one time.
*61\143\2*
