Severe high blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure above 180 mmHg or diastolic pressure of 120 mmHg or higher. In this case, if you have no other symptoms, you should contact a healthcare provider to avoid life-threatening health risks, especially if you are experiencing chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, or numbness. Daily Required Quantity Vitamin C offers numerous benefits to the body, including contributing to collagen formation, aiding iron absorption, wound healing, and repairing and maintaining bones and cartilage. It is known that the body does not produce Vitamin C and flushes out excess amounts through urine, so it must be replenished daily. Although high blood pressure often precedes serious diseases like atherosclerosis, the development of arterial narrowing in turn increases blood pressure, creating a vicious circle. This increases the risk of blood clots, sudden death, and possibly heart and kidney failure, which requires medical intervention and specific medication regimens. In addition to the urgent need for inevitable lifestyle changes, such as following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, some dietary supplements may help lower blood pressure. Among the most prominent of these is Vitamin C, which may help lower blood pressure. These readings are considered normal for most adults. Blood moves through the arteries, and blood pressure measures the effort required to push it through these vessels. The recommended daily amount of Vitamin C ranges from 90 to 120 mg for adults, with lower amounts for infants, children, and teenagers, while smokers need 35 mg more than non-smokers. Foods rich in Vitamin C include cabbage, citrus fruits, green and red peppers, kiwi, strawberries, and tomato juice. Some people may need to take Vitamin C supplements if they do not get enough from their daily diet, but a doctor should always be consulted before using any supplements, for blood pressure or any other health needs. Systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 3.84 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 1.48 mmHg. Blood Pressure Readings Blood pressure readings combine systolic and diastolic pressure; systolic pressure is measured when the heart beats to pump blood, while diastolic pressure is measured when the heart is at rest between beats. High blood pressure occurs when the pressure is higher than the optimal level for health. Chronic and high pressure affects the walls of the arteries, making them more susceptible to fat and cholesterol buildup. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before using it for this purpose, according to a report published on the 'Very Well Health' website. The report stated that a 2023 review, which included the results of 20 studies, showed that an average daily dose of Vitamin C of 757.5 mg over 6 weeks led to an average reduction in systolic blood pressure of 3 mmHg. The reduction was slightly higher in people with diabetes and high blood pressure. Similarly, a scientific analysis published in 2020, which included 614 participants, found that a daily Vitamin C dose of 500 mg or more was associated with a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure of 5 mmHg. A significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was also observed in people aged 60 and over. Another analysis conducted in 2012 also concluded the effects of Vitamin C in lowering blood pressure, based on a review of the results of 29 clinical trials. The average dose of Vitamin C was 500 mg daily over 8 weeks. For example, a reading of 120/80 mmHg means that the systolic pressure is 120 and the diastolic pressure is 80.
