High blood pressure strains the heart and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death worldwide. B-complex vitamins and vitamins A, C, D and E help control or prevent high blood pressure in different ways. People naturally consume these vitamins in certain foods, but they may also take dietary supplements to get the advantages of these vitamins for high blood pressure. When consuming high blood pressure dietary supplements, consult with a doctor about appropriate dosages.
Retinol, also known as vitamin A, manages blood pressure by preventing the buildup of bad cholesterol in the arteries. Bad cholesterol's plaque leads to high blood pressure because the body is forced to exert more energy to pump blood through narrower arteries. Vitamin A is found in carrots, broccoli, spinach and sweet potatoes.
There are eight B vitamins — sometimes referred to as B-complex vitamins — that work together as vitamins for high blood pressure. The B vitamins increase blood circulation and deal with the quality and quantity of red blood cells. They also help manage stress, which is a contributing factor in high blood pressure. B-complex vitamins naturally exist in whole grains, potatoes, bananas and beans.
Treatments for high blood pressure often include vitamin C, which is the vitamin most associated with low blood pressure. The majority of fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C. As an antioxidant, its main task is to prevent and repair cell damage by free radicals. Free radicals are naturally produced molecules that can harm other molecules and cells, including the cells of the arteries, and can contribute to chronic diseases, such as cancer, arthritis and heart disease.
Among the other vitamins for high blood pressure is vitamin D, which people produce naturally as a result of sun exposure. This vitamin regulates blood pressure by targeting angiotensin II, a substance that increases blood pressure in various ways when it’s found in excess in the body. For example, excessive angiotensin II constricts blood vessels and thickens the walls of blood vessels. Most people can get enough vitamin D from their diet, namely in fish, eggs and meat.
Much like vitamin C, vitamin E functions as an antioxidant to help lower blood pressure. Whereas patients can immediately increase their consumption of other vitamins for high blood pressure, doctors recommend gradually increasing ingestion of vitamin E, because a sudden surge can temporarily raise blood pressure. Foods rich in vitamin E include seeds, nuts, spinach, broccoli, asparagus and mango.