High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to severe health problems, including heart disease.
Researchers have been exploring various ways to manage high blood pressure, and one potential solution is the ketogenic diet.
In this article, we will discuss the results of a recent study that shows how the ketogenic diet can be a safe and effective method for reducing blood pressure in people with mild-to-moderate hypertension.
The Ketogenic Diet and Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a significant concern, as it increases the risk of heart disease, one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Finding new treatments to control blood pressure is essential for improving health outcomes for individuals with hypertension.
The ketogenic diet is a special eating plan that focuses on high-fat, low-carbohydrate foods. It was first developed nearly a century ago and has gained attention for its potential health benefits.
This diet shifts the body’s primary source of energy from glucose to ketones, which are produced from fat breakdown. While it has been primarily used for weight loss, recent research has explored its impact on blood pressure.
The study we’re discussing involved 394 participants with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure.
They were divided into groups, and some received single injections of an experimental medication called zilebesiran, while others received a placebo (a substance with no therapeutic effect).
Key Findings
Blood Pressure Reduction: Participants who received zilebesiran experienced a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, the top number in a blood pressure reading. On average, they had a more than 10 mm Hg reduction in 24-hour systolic blood pressure.
Hormone Regulation: Zilebesiran reduced serum levels of angiotensinogen (AGT), a hormone produced predominantly in the liver that contributes to blood pressure regulation. This reduction in AGT levels was greater than 90%.
Dose-Dependent Effect: The study found that higher doses of zilebesiran (300 mg and 600 mg) had a more pronounced effect on blood pressure reduction. Participants in these groups experienced an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 15 mm Hg or more.
Long-Term Control: People receiving zilebesiran were more likely to achieve 24-hour average systolic blood pressure measurements of 130 mm Hg or less at six months. This suggests that the effects of the ketogenic diet could be sustained over time.
The study reported low rates of adverse events related to zilebesiran. The most common adverse events were mild reactions at the injection site. Additionally, there were no clinically relevant changes in kidney or liver function observed.
Conclusion
The ketogenic diet, as demonstrated in this study using zilebesiran, shows promise as a method for effectively and safely reducing blood pressure in individuals with mild-to-moderate hypertension.
These findings are significant, as reducing systolic blood pressure by 5 mm Hg or more is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular events.
While these results are promising, it’s essential to remember that this study focused on individuals with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Further research will be needed to assess the diet’s long-term safety and its impact on cardiovascular outcomes.
Nonetheless, the ketogenic diet offers hope for those looking to manage their blood pressure and improve their overall health.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about The arm squeeze test: could your blood pressure reading be wrong and findings of Bedtime medication more effective for high blood pressure?
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about DASH to health: a simple guide to lowering blood pressure and results showing that Japanese food sunomono could help lower blood pressure.
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