increased risk of cardiac events, including stroke and myocardial infarction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of hypertension increases with age, with a rate of 22.4% among adults aged 18 to 39, a rate of 54.5% among those aged 40 to 59, and a rate of 74.5% among those aged 60 and older.1 Primary or essential hypertension has no direct identifiable etiology, although genetics, suboptimal dietary intake, and other factors, such as sedentary lifestyle and obesity, are believed to be involved. In contrast, secondary hypertension is caused by other disease processes, including renal or endocrine pathophysiology.

2 Patients may unknowingly begin to trend toward hypertension without any overt symptoms before diagnosis. This highlights the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring. When present, symptoms may signify more severe hypertension, and include headache, fatigue, vision problems, chest pain, and arrhythmia.

3 Nutrition and lifestyle intervention serve as important facets of care in preventing and ameliorating hypertension. Practitioners can support hypertensive patients through the maintenance of healthy weight, increased physical activity, stress management techniques, and adoption of a heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet. Additionally, nutrients that support vasodilation, healthy endothelial function, and blood pressure regulation can be emphasized through diet or supplementation. This protocol is designed to support blood pressure management through heart healthy dietary intake, stress management practices, herbs, nutrients, and bioactive substances.*