Artificial control of hypertension can lead to a
collapse of the microcirculatory system that feeds
the inner ear, the brain, and heart muscle.Reader
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OVERUSE OF DIURETICS & HYPERTENSIVE MEDICATION TOO
OFTEN CAUSES COMMUNICATIVE, COGNITIVE DANGERS”
by
Max S. Chartrand, M.A.,
DigiCare Hearing Research & Rehabiliation
One of the most misunderstood issues among both
patients and their healthcare professionals is the
significance (or lack of) of one’s blood pressure.
This brief monologue will review some of the basic
principles governing issues surrounding artificial
control of the circulatory system and its influence
on hearing health.
Micro & Macro: Birds of Different Feathers
One of the greatest fallacies in controlling
abnormal blood pressure is ignoring the facf that
our circulatory system is comprised of two systems,
not just one. The most obvious is the “Macro
System”, comprised of the larger arteries and veins.
Because of the sheer volume of blood coursing
through the Macro System, slight pervasive changes
in cholesterol plague, hardening of the arteries,
varicose veins, as well as a host of inner and outer
wall conditions, can drastically affect overall
blood pressure.
But, more important for our hearing, balance, brain,
heart, and certain hormone-secreting organs is the
lesser-known “Micro System”. Comprised of millions
of tiny blood vessels, it provides critical oxygen
and nourishment to the above-mentioned organs of the
body. When constricted, whether due to low blood
pressure, high blood lipids, or constricting
vascular disease of any kind, one may experience any
of the following conditions:
o Progressive sensorineural hearing loss
o Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
o Vertigo and other balance disorders
o Ataxia, dyspraxia (coordination problems)
o Nystagmus (visual, focus problems)
o Dementia (Alzheimer’s, etc.)
o Heart disease
o Reduced hormone secretions (thyroid, insulin,
anitdiuretic hormone or ADH)
o Reduced renal (kidney) function
Overuse of diuretic/hypertensives rampant
Today, there exists widespread overuse of
medications to control high blood pressure, and a
host of other medications taken to offset their side
effects. Most are prescribed based upon scant
information and very little medical examination.
Diuretic medications can be dangerous to one’s
health, completely throwing off electrolyte
balances, and creating a host of unwanted side
effects detrimental to one’s health. Whereas high
blood pressure can be deadly in the short term,
overuse or misadministration of circulatory
medications can be dangerous and life shortening in
the long term.
Diuretic/hypertensive medications should not be
prescribed (excepting emergency cases) without first
ascertaining the following data:
o The patient’s daily total water intake must be
appropriate to body weight and activity level (see
Patient Prompt Sheet #1)
o Several blood pressure readings should be taken,
especially in resting state. (A BP reading in a
clinical setting may or may not reflect a patient’s
usual stress state).
o Dietary factors, such as tobacco, caffeine, and
other medications should also be addressed and
counseled.
o Stress and psychosocial factors should be weighed
into the health profile, and counseling given
accordingly.
o Hearing/vestibular health is also considered.
When the above factors are considered, the author
estimates that as much as 80% of today’s BP
medications would be eliminated, and medications
would be more used in the short-term, during crisis,
or while other more efficacious treatment is
pursued. In other words, diuretics as prophylaxis
would rarely be the prescribed course.
When underlying causes of blood pressure are not
considered, especially chronic semi-dehydration,
caffeine intake, and other dietary factors, are not
considered, we may lower BP in the Macro System,
while starving the Micro System. In the process, we
cause more hearing loss, louder tinnitus, more
episodes of vertigo, advancing dementia, depression,
a host of secretory deficiencies, and declining
health of the heart.
The key is to reduce dependency upon diuretic/
hypertensive medications as quickly as possible,
while addressing underlying causes. We must
acknowledge that artificially low blood pressure can
also be undesirable. By so doing, we will find much
happier patients, living longer and healthier, and
far fewer communicative/cognitive disorders.
Note: This monograph is offered only as public
education, and is not intended to be taken as
medical advice.
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