BLOOD PRESSURE


Arteriosclerosis, or to give it its full title Diffuse Arteriosclerosis is a condition commonly found in cases of high blood-pressure, and consists of a thickening and degeneration of the arterial walls, with a subsequent hardening and loss of elasticity. This hardening primarily affects the arterioles and smaller arteries, especially in the muscles, kidneys and brain.


The treatment of blood pressure, whether it be high or low, is a prolonged and difficult task and would be better undertaken under the guidance of a skilled practitioner, since it calls for great experience in taking the case and prescribing the constitutional remedy indicated by the totality of the symptoms, but where the service of such a practitioner is not available, the sufferer may find some relief from the best indicated of the remedies mentioned later.

The blood pressure of any individual is dependent partly on the power of the heart and partly on the peripheral resistance in the arterioles, and, therefore, any increase in this resistance, either by arteriosclerosis, otherwise hardening of the arteries, or by increased nervous tension or any other means, will result in the raising of the blood pressure, but the primary cause of high blood pressure is still rather obscure.

Arteriosclerosis, or to give it its full title Diffuse Arteriosclerosis is a condition commonly found in cases of high blood-pressure, and consists of a thickening and degeneration of the arterial walls, with a subsequent hardening and loss of elasticity. This hardening primarily affects the arterioles and smaller arteries, especially in the muscles, kidneys and brain.

The involvement of the kidneys gives rise to a question of cause or effect, and on this point let us refer to the Index of Symptomatology, edited by Dr. H. Letheby Tidy, wherein he writes of arteriosclerosis: “More than one type, or at least more than one mode of production, undoubtedly exist. As mentioned above, it is difficult to distinguish cause from effect. Thus arteriosclerosis may be secondary to chronic interstitial nephritis; on the other hand, chronic interstitial nephritis may result from high blood-pressure, especially the type known as “arteriosclerotic kidney.”.

There is another type of high blood-pressure which may exist without either arteriosclerosis or chronic nephritis. This is commonly considered to be of nervous origin and is often referred to as “Essential Hypertension”.

Whatever the cause, the initial symptoms are similar and are usually to be found in people who look the picture of health. They are robust, with good colouring, possibly obese, and are usually very mentally alert.

They may find they slowly begin to lack concentration and their memory weakens; that they are giddy after stooping or when rising from bed; or may complain of throbbing headaches usually at the back of the head. There may be complaints of lameness or of pains and tingling in the legs when walking, which disappear when resting. But despite these symptoms they seldom feel really ill and continue to look exceptionally healthy.

While the exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown there is no doubt that the modern way of life contributes largely to the advance of the condition and sufferers should seriously consider their diet and habits before starting treatment, in order to obtain in full the benefits of homoeopathic treatment.

Smoking, drinking, and all rich foods should be carefully avoided, together with all condiments, pickles, sauces, etc.

Every effort should be made to keep the bowel action regular and water rather than tea should be drunk as little as possible. Tea when taken should be weak, and without sugar.

The diet should consist of fresh green salads and fruits, and these, where possible, should be grown under the rational, method used by those producers who are members of the Whole Food Society.

In selecting the appropriate remedy for the patient, the totality of the symptoms must be considered and, should there by any difficulty in matching the symptoms with the short descriptions given under the following suggested remedies, then references should be made to a Materia Medica.

The selected remedy should be administered as suggested, until there is either an aggravation or an improvement, when the medicine should be stopped until the position is again stationary, when the remedy should be repeated or a new remedy selected according to the symptomatology.

Arnica. This remedy is useful where there is a history of physical strain; vertigo, headache, red full face; pulse feeble and irregular; better lying down with head low.

Dose: Three pilules of the 12c potency every 4 hours.

Aurum muriaticum. When the high blood-pressure is of nervous origin, this remedy will assist. Head symptoms predominate. Vertigo with strong palpitation, congestion to the head and chest. Patient becomes despondent, suicidal and is worse when cold, and from sunset to sunrise.

Dose: Three pilules of the 4c potency morning and evening.

Adrenalin. This medicine has been used successfully in high blood-pressure of both nervous and arteriosclerotic origin. Vertigo, headache, roaring in the ears, nausea and vomiting are the symptoms usually calling for this remedy, especially when there is a causation of constriction in the thorax.

Dose: Three pilules of the 3c, 6c or 12c potency morning and night.

Baryta muriatica. This is a very frequently indicated remedy and should be thought of where there is headache or rather a heaviness of the head, worse at night; vertigo; buzzing in the ears; and gastric symptoms.

Dose: Three pilules of the 3c or 6c potency 3 times daily. (This remedy needs to be taken for long periods).

Crataegus. This is an excellent remedy for arteriosclerosis where there is mental dullness; pain at the back of the head; vertigo; breathlessness on exertion; pulse feeble and intermits; blueness of fingers and toes; all symptoms worse for exertion or in warm room; better in the fresh air, quiet and rest.

Dose: Three to five drops of Mother Tincture in a tablespoonful of water before meals, daily. (This remedy is an excellent heart tonic and needs to be taken for some time to obtain good results).

Glonoine. A sense of mental confusion with dizziness; throbbing headache; irritability; heart throb felt in ears; worse for any heat or lying down, would suggest this remedy. Together with disturbance of vision; whole body throbs.

Dose: Three pilules of the 6c potency, morning and night.

Plumbum: This remedy is suited to nervous and arteriosclerotic conditions and is useful when the disease is commencing and the kidneys are involved. Loss of memory; pain as of a ball rising from throat to brain; face pale; wiry pulse; patient feels pulse in finger tips; cramp in calves; tingling and pain in legs; extreme weakness. Patient feels better for exertion and worse at night.

Dose: Three pilules of the 30c potency every morning.

Natrum iodatum is useful in high arterial pressure where the pulse is hard and there is pain in the chest, together with giddiness and breathlessness. The patient is thin, emaciated and chilly, yet feels better in the open air.

Dose: Three pilules of the 1x potency three times daily. (Change to 3x or higher when pulse is softer).

S. Philip Clements