ABSTRACT
Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a condition where there is persistently raised pressure in the blood vessels. More than 90% of cases are primary (essential) hypertension, defined as high blood pressure due to genetic factors and lifestyle. Based on this information, lifestyle changes—such as physical exercise, weight loss, reduced alcohol and salt intake—can substantially lower blood pressure and thereby decrease the risk of cardiovascular complications. Above all, an adequate control of blood pressure by pharmacological management significantly reduces microvascular and macrovascular complications as well. Lately, there has been a growing interest in conscious nutrition, and nature has been a great source of medicinal products (also known as natural remedies) for millennia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the most common hypotensive or antihypertensive minerals, macro- and micronutrients and herbs, since it is impossible to consider all of them. Furthermore, this review focuses only on nutrients and bioactive components that are antihypertensive with proved mechanism of action. Last but not least, the review summarizes the most important drug interactions of the aforementioned herbal remedies, for the sake of completeness.
