Conventional medicine typically focuses on managing blood pressure with medications. Functional medicine offers a different path, one that aims to uncover and address the root causes of high blood pressure through a comprehensive, personalised, and sustainable approach.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can develop without noticeable symptoms, yet significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues. According to the World Health Organisation, hypertension affects approximately 1.28 billion adults worldwide, with only half of them having their condition under control (1).
At Steve Grant Health, I apply a functional medicine model to help clients better understand the underlying contributors to their elevated blood pressure and guide them toward meaningful, lasting improvements.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. It is measured using two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (top number): Pressure when the heart beats
- Diastolic pressure (bottom number): Pressure when the heart rests between beats
Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be around 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is typically diagnosed when readings consistently exceed 140/90 mmHg, although even levels above 130/80 mmHg can increase cardiovascular risk (2).
There are two main types of hypertension:
- Primary hypertension: Develops gradually over time due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors.
- Secondary hypertension: Caused by another underlying condition such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications.
If left unmanaged, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage, and cognitive decline. One of the main challenges is the mechanical stress placed on the blood vessel wall, that leads to dysfunction and promotes atherosclerosis.
However, functional medicine offers tools and insights that support both prevention and reversal, ultimately protecting your blood vessels and reducing your risk of heart and neurovascular diseases.
What Are the Main Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is often symptomless, in some individuals, particularly those with severely elevated blood pressure symptoms may present and should not be ignored. These may include:
- Persistent headaches, especially in the morning
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Blurred or double vision
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort or palpitations
- Fatigue or confusion
- Nosebleeds (in some cases)
It is important to note that these symptoms are not specific to high blood pressure and may overlap with other health conditions. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential, especially if you are at risk or have a family history of hypertension.
How to Assess Blood Pressure Properly
Accurate assessment is key to identifying and managing high blood pressure. I encourage clients to use validated automated home monitors to track blood pressure outside of clinical settings. Here’s how to do it correctly:
Prepare Properly
- Avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise for at least 30 minutes beforehand
- Use the bathroom before taking a reading
- Sit calmly for five minutes with your feet flat on the floor
Use the Right Equipment
- Use a clinically validated monitor suitable for home use (brands like Omron are often recommended)
- Ensure the cuff size fits your arm properly for accurate readings
Position Matters
- Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported
- Rest your arm on a flat surface so that it is at heart level
- Place the cuff about an inch above the elbow with the palm facing upward
Taking the Reading
- Remain still and quiet while the monitor inflates and deflates
- Press start and allow the monitor to display your reading
Record and Repeat
- Note the date, time, and any relevant circumstances (e.g. recent activity or meals)
- Wait one to two minutes and take a second reading
- Ideally, take three readings and average them for accuracy
This method allows for more consistent data and a better understanding of blood pressure trends, particularly when taken at different times of day over several days.
How Functional Medicine Helps Manage High Blood Pressure
Functional medicine focuses on identifying the root causes of hypertension and empowering individuals to implement lifestyle and nutritional strategies that support long-term cardiovascular health. Rather than treating high blood pressure in isolation, we take a systems-based approach that considers the interconnections between metabolism, inflammation, hormones, and environmental exposures.
Foundational Areas We Focus On
Nutrition
A nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet is at the core of functional medicine for hypertension. Dietary patterns such as the DASH and Mediterranean diets, which are rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, are proven to reduce blood pressure (4). Increasing intake of magnesium, potassium, fibre, and antioxidants while reducing processed food and alcohol is key.
Physical Activity
Exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and supports metabolic health. Studies show that 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can reduce systolic blood pressure by 5–8 mmHg (5). I can help you create a tailored and realistic exercise plan.
Stress Management
Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, increases cortisol, and contributes to persistent blood pressure elevation. Techniques such as breathwork, meditation, progressive relaxation, and HRV monitoring are integrated into your plan.
Sleep Quality
Poor sleep and sleep disorders, including sleep apnoea, are strongly associated with high blood pressure. Functional medicine focuses on optimising sleep hygiene and addressing sleep disruptions that may be contributing to blood pressure dysregulation.
Exploring the Root Causes of High Blood Pressure
Beyond lifestyle habits, we investigate nuanced and often overlooked contributors:
Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation can lead to endothelial dysfunction and increased vascular resistance. We identify inflammatory drivers such as poor diet, gut issues, or chronic infections, and assess markers like CRP (6).
Insulin Resistance
A common and often silent contributor, insulin resistance increases sodium retention and arterial stiffness. Improving insulin sensitivity through dietary change and physical activity is foundational to our approach.
Oxidative Stress
Damage from free radicals can compromise blood vessel function. We support antioxidant status through a phytonutrient-rich diet and, if needed, targeted supplementation such as CoQ10, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones such as aldosterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones influence blood pressure regulation. We use comprehensive testing to identify imbalances and correct them with lifestyle and nutritional strategies.
Heavy Metal Toxicity
Exposure to heavy metals like lead or cadmium has been linked to hypertension. In selected cases, we assess toxic load and support natural detoxification pathways to reduce vascular stress.
Medications, Supplements & Stimulants
It is important to review medications and stimulants, as many can contribute to increased blood pressure, some of these include nicotine, caffeine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, stimulant based medications to support attention, antidepressants, appetite suppressants, corticosteroids, hormone replacement therapies and certain herbal supplements like liquorice root extract and yohimbe.
Functional Testing and Personalised Planning
We use advanced testing to uncover key imbalances and guide interventions:
- Blood pressure profiling
- Insulin and glucose regulation
- Lipid and cholesterol markers
- Inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers
- Nutrient panels (magnesium, potassium, omega-3s)
- Cortisol and other hormonal assessments
- Kidney function and uric acid levels
- Sleep tracking and body composition analysis
With this insight, I create tailored strategies that often include:
- Food and nutrient adjustments
- Exercise routines that suit your capacity and goals
- Stress resilience tools and routines
- Natural therapies and evidence-based supplements
Medication and Functional Medicine: Can They Coexist?
Yes. While many people can significantly reduce blood pressure through natural means, some may need short-term or long-term medication. Our goal is not to replace medical advice but to complement it. We work alongside your GP or cardiologist, ensuring that our recommendations are aligned and supportive.
Our aim is to reduce reliance on medication where possible or enhance its effectiveness by addressing underlying causes.
Is High Blood Pressure Reversible?
For many people, yes. Particularly when identified early and addressed comprehensively, blood pressure can be normalised. Even in more advanced cases, progression can be slowed and quality of life significantly improved through consistent, sustainable change.
Your Next Step
Functional medicine provides an empowering and sustainable path to managing and reversing high blood pressure. My personalised, root-cause approach not only supports blood pressure regulation but improves overall vitality and resilience.
I offer a few entry points when it comes to managing your blood pressure.
Beat The Cardiovascular Clock
If you have high blood pressure, have had a cardiac event in the past or have been told you have heart disease already, I recommend my Beat the Cardiovascular Clock 1:1 program. This is an initial 3 month program with intensive accountability and support to help you transform your cardiovascular health.
Functional Health Assessment
If you are unsure or your risk levels and just want to know more, I offer a Functional Health Assessment, a one-off assessment and consultation session. These tests and the consultation allows us to help establish your overall health risk levels, especially that of metabolic and cardiovascular health. Using the information gathered as part of this one-off testing and consultation session, we develop a personalised strategy for you.
Free Discovery Call
Still not sure where to start? Why not book in for a FREE Discovery Call with myself to discuss your unique situation further and get clear on your starting point.
My functional medicine approach to high blood pressure is about regaining control over your health and making meaningful, lasting improvements.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about hypertension or would like to learn more about how I can help, please get in touch using the form below.
References
- World Health Organization. Hypertension facts.
- Whelton PK, Carey RM, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults.
- Chobanian AV, et al. Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.
- Sacks FM, et al. Effects on Blood Pressure of Reduced Dietary Sodium and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet.
- Cornelissen VA, Fagard RH. Effects of Endurance Training on Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis.
- Ridker PM, et al. C-reactive protein and other markers of inflammation in the prediction of cardiovascular disease.
