Grape Seed Extract for Blood Pressure

by Vorst Canada December 22, 2021

grape seed extract for blood pressure

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

High blood pressure or hypertension plays a vital role in developing a number of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) which is one of the most dominant causes of death throughout the world. Researchers have indicated that maintaining a healthy blood pressure level is essential for avoiding serious cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction that often cause cardiovascular deaths.

Grape seed extract has been proven to be highly beneficial for maintaining a healthy blood pressure and is widely used in the prevention as well as management of cardiovascular diseases.

In this article, we’ll learn everything you need to know about grape seed extract for blood pressure. But, it’s important to understand the basics of blood pressure first. So, let’s get started.

Understanding blood pressure and hypertension
Symptoms of high blood pressure
Types and causes of high blood pressure
Risk factors of high blood pressure
High blood pressure complications
What is grape seed extract?
How grape seed extract can help with blood pressure
How to use grape seed extract
Precautions and side effects
Final words

Understanding blood pressure and hypertension

Blood pressure refers to the pressure created by blood against the walls of the arteries when flowing through them after each pumping episode of the heart. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from the heart towards other body parts. Blood pressure may rise and fall throughout the day depending on the mental and physical activities.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure or HBP or HTN, is a condition in which the levels of blood pressure persistently remain higher than normal for a long period of time and eventually may lead to health issues like heart disease.

Symptoms of high blood pressure

Most people don’t experience any specific symptoms of high blood pressure even if they have dangerously elevated blood pressure levels.

When high blood pressure reaches a life-threatening stage, some people may experience nosebleeds or shortness of breath. But these symptoms aren’t common.

Types and causes of high blood pressure

There’re mainly two categories of hypertension - primary hypertension and secondary hypertension.

Primary hypertension - This type of hypertension gradually develops with age over many years and doesn’t have any noticeable cause.

Secondary hypertension - This type of hypertension tends to occur suddenly and is caused by any underlying health conditions.

The most common causes of secondary hypertension may include:

Thyroid issues
Kidney conditions
Congenital heart or blood vessel defects
Obstructive sleep apnea
Adrenal gland tumors
Certain over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications such as pain killers, decongestants, cold remedies, and birth control pills
Illegal drugs like amphetamine and cocaine

Risk factors of high blood pressure

High blood pressure is associated with a number of risk factors, such as:

Older age
African race
Family history
Lack of physical activity
Obesity or overweight
Excess salt intake
Tobacco use
Alcohol use
Lack of potassium in your diet
Excess stress levels
Chronic conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea

High blood pressure complications

Continuous excess pressure on the artery wall for a long time can cause damage to blood vessels and organs. Uncontrolled hypertension can cause a wide range of complications including:

Stroke or heart attack
Heart failure
Brain hemorrhage
Vision loss
Kidney disease
Decreased brain functions such as trouble memory
Metabolic syndrome

What is grape seed extract?

Grape seed extract (GSE) is nothing but an extract derived from the seeds of grapes. It contains natural proanthocyanidins, a group of polyphenols, which have been reviewed for various health conditions.

Grape seed extracts have been used for thousands of years in European traditional treatments for treating and preventing a variety of health conditions including issues of heart and blood vessels, skin problems, eye disease, and certain inflammatory conditions.

How grape seed extract can help with blood pressure

Grape seed extracts (GSE) have been found helpful in reducing high blood pressure and maintaining a healthy blood pressure level.

The effects of grape seed extracts on blood pressure have been peer-reviewed by several studies. Researchers have concluded that supplementing with grape seed extract may help reduce both blood pressure numbers systolic as well as diastolic, especially in people who have metabolic disorders such as obesity and are at higher risks of cardiovascular disease.

Studies have shown that grape seed extract is effective in lowering triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and even C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker, in the body.

Researchers also indicated that grape seed extract may reduce high blood pressure in young to middle-aged people who have hypertension due to unhealthy lifestyle choices such as lack of activity and an unhealthy diet.

How to use grape seed extract

Doses of grape seed extract may vary depending on blood pressure levels and associated health conditions. In general, the doses of GSE supplements range from 100 mg to 800 mg per day. To determine the actual dose, it’s recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or nutritionist.

Precautions and side effects

Grape seed extracts are possibly safe and well-tolerated for most people when taken within recommended doses. Overdoses may produce some side effects such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and itchy scalp. But these aren’t common.

Grape seed extract may interact with blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin and is not recommended for people who are going to have surgery or have bleeding disorders.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should ask their healthcare providers before taking grape seed extract.

Final words

Grape seed extract has been found to be effective in maintaining healthy blood pressure and reducing bad fats (LDL, triglycerides) in the blood. It’s also helpful in reducing the inflammation marker C-reactive protein.

However, grape seed extract is highly beneficial for blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. But it should be used in moderation, overdose may cause some unpleasant effects.

Always check with your nutritionist or healthcare provider before taking grape seed extract supplements.

Check out Vorst’s dietary supplements that contain pure and natural grape seed extract:

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