Is it safe to take supplements like niacin,fish oil and magnesium to lower the blood pressure?
Patient: I am 55 yo woman - have not exercised for a few years after a foot injury - BP ranges from 145 over 80 to 139 over 72 - I get a really high rate at doctors office 175 over 90 as I hate the blood pressure cuff and the way it makes my arm feel.  I am taking a bunch of supplements like niacin, fish oil, coenzyme Q10, Coleus foskholii, magnesium and potassium to help lower my blood pressure. I always have eaten healthy.  Is it safe for me to start exercising? Doctor: Hello!Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!I understand your concern and would explain that the episodes of high blood pressure during doctor appointments are related to anxiety, also called White Coat Syndrome. These episodes are not harmful and do not need any treatment. Regarding your blood pressure values, during most of the time, you seem to be borderline blood pressure. This means that for the moment some lifestyle modifications, besides the supplements you are taking would be helpful to reduce you blood pressure: -modify your diet (reduce salt and caffeine intake)- perform a lot of physical exercise (4 km of walking per day is recommendable, aerobics, etc)-lose weight, if you are overweight. Hope to have been helpful!Best regards, Dr. Iliri