Hypertension and Weight-loss

Excessive weight may increase the risk of hypertension by 2-6 times. But losing as little as 4 kgs may be enough to lower your blood pressure and reduce other risk factors. Studies have found, that for every kilogram of weight lost, blood pressure drops by 2.5 mm Hg systolic pressure and 1.5 mm Hg diastolic pressure.

In some cases, weight loss may be the only treatment needed for hypertension.

Weight loss reduces the distance to which the heart must pump blood. This reduces the pumping force, and in turn, lowers blood pressure. Weight loss also means that the volume of blood your heart must pump decreases – and less blood flowing through the arteries means less pressure on them.

Excess weight may increase your heart-rate and reduce the capacity of your blood vessels to transport blood. This combination may raise blood pressure and cause hypertension. A Body-Mass Index (BMI) of more than 25 is considered overweight, while a BMI over 30 is defined as obesity.

If you suffer from hypertension or want to lower your blood pressure, your first priority should be reducing abdominal obesity, which is a risk factor separate from overall obesity. Abdominal obesity impairs the liver’s ability to effectively clear insulin from the blood. This may lead to insulin resistance and increased insulin secretion from the pancreas. The side effects are increased heart rate and contractility, and tightening of the arteries, which will lead to increased blood pressure.

Weight loss may also enhance the effects of your medication.