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Roman Torgovitsky, Ph.D.

Hypertension is a  serious condition that can lead to coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease, vision loss, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. Clinical physicians try to control blood pressure with prescription medication and lifestyle changes (diet & exercises).

Read more

Hypertension is a  serious condition that can lead to coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease, vision loss, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. Clinical physicians try to control blood pressure with prescription medication and lifestyle changes (diet & exercises).

Modern research shows that clinical physicians are years behind cutting edge medical research. When you visit a physicians, you think that you are getting medical advice based on the most recent knowledge & data. Unfortunately, this is not true. [See reference 1 below] . Physicians simply do not have time to keep up to date with current science.

There are two types of research:

- Pharmacological research: investigates effects of medications

- Non-pharmacological research: investigates the effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions

Pharma companies invest millions of dollars into marketing novel pharmaceuticals to the clinicians.

Within the past 15 years, science has seen a tremendous level of non-pharmacological research that can benefit patients. Unfortunately, scientists do not have millions of dollars to market their discoveries to the clinicians.

As a result your treatment is heavily biased towards medications that bring tremendously negative side effects.

At SOMA SYSTEM CLINIC we use cutting edge scientific research to create treatment programs relying on non-pharmacological methods.

In this course, "How to Lower Blood Pressure and Overcome Hypertension", you will learn how to control and lower your blood pressure without using medications.

Standard clinical protocols for hypertension treatment include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. We go beyond diet and exercise.

Modern research unequivocally demonstrates that hyper activation of your sympathetic nervous system plays a paramount role in genesis and maintenance of high blood pressure. [2-4].

Instead of developing methods to down-regulate sympathetic nervous system, pharma companies develop drugs that aim to prevent effect of the hyper-activated nervous system on the your blood pressure, heart and the cardiovascular system.

What if we could depress activity of the sympathetic nervous system?

In fact, modern research shows that we can do this without using drugs. This requires learning, understanding and changing all factors that over activate sympathetic nervous system, such as:

- Poor quality sleep and insufficient sleep

- Abdominal fat, poor nutrition & insulin resistance

- Muscle Pain & Tension

- Loneliness and lack of authentic and warm relationships

- Lack of purpose in life

- Lack positive emotions

- Depression & Anxiety

- Sedentary physiology

As you can see these factors span all major systems: physiology, psychological and emotional factors, social factors, exercise and many others.

To lower your blood pressure, you need to learn to work with your entire BodyMind and this is exactly what you will learn in this course.

References:

[1] Morris, Zoë Slote, Steven Wooding, and Jonathan Grant. "The answer is 17 years, what is the question: understanding time lags in translational research." Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 104, no. 12 (2011): 510-520. 

[2] Esler M, Lambert E, Schlaich M. Point: counterpoint. Chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system is the dominant contributor to systemic hypertension. J Appl Physiol. 2010;109;1996–1998.

[3] Esler, Murray. "Sympathetic nervous system moves toward center stage in cardiovascular medicine: from Thomas Willis to resistant hypertension." Hypertension 63, no. 3 (2014): e25-e32. 

[4] Huggett RJ, Burns J, Mackintosh AF, Mary DA. Sympathetic neural activation in nondiabetic metabolic syndrome and its further augmentation by hypertension. Hypertension. 2004;44:847–852.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to lower blood pressure
  • How modifying sleep can improve blood pressure
  • How diet affects blood pressure
  • How insulin and cortisol resistance affect blood pressure

Syllabus

You will understand why you need to check your physicians recommendations against current medical research.
Introduction

Clinical physicians are way behind the current research And This Can Cost you Your Life!

You will hear a real life story of two people recently published in the Atlantic. One of them was smart enough to double check his physician's recommendations and survived thanks to that. Another individual blindly followed his physician's advice and .... died.

Through hearing this story, you will get an understanding grounded in real-life experience how important it is to always be an active participant of the treatment process.

Times when physicians knowledge was up-to-date has long passed. In modern times, you have almost unrestricted access to knowledge and if you want to get the best care for yourself and your loved ones, you need to be an active participant!

Read more

In this lecture, you are going to get the overview of what you will learn in this course

You will learn what physiological parameters such as blood volume, heart rate and diameter of blood vessels determine your blood pressure.

You will learn basics of physiological regulation of blood pressure. For example, when you loose blood and blood pressure goes down, how does your body restore blood pressure back to normal?

Similarly, when your blood pressure goes up, what mechanisms kick in to lower your blood pressure?

This knowledge will be used later on in the course to explain how common anti-hypertensive medications work as well as how non-pharmaceutical methods lowering blood pressure exert their effect.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the role of the sympathetic nervous system in hypertension, offering insights beyond standard diet and exercise recommendations
Examines the impact of sleep, nutrition, and psychological factors on blood pressure, which may appeal to those seeking holistic approaches
Presents an alternative to relying solely on medication, which may resonate with individuals concerned about side effects
Requires learners to actively participate in their treatment process, which may not suit those seeking passive solutions
Suggests that clinical physicians are behind on current research, which may be a controversial claim for some learners
Draws on non-pharmacological research, which may be less familiar to learners accustomed to conventional medical advice

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Reviews summary

Understanding non-pharma blood pressure management

According to learners, this course provides a highly informative and potentially life-changing perspective on managing high blood pressure primarily through non-pharmacological methods. Students praise the course for its focus on identifying and addressing root causes, such as the role of the sympathetic nervous system, sleep, diet, and psychological factors. The scientific explanations are frequently described as clear and easy to understand, even for complex topics, empowering students to take control of their health. While the course is considered comprehensive in covering various factors, some students noted a desire for more concrete, step-by-step guidance and practical 'how-to' advice, finding certain sections more theoretical. Overall, it is seen as a valuable course for those seeking alternatives to medication.
Addresses a wide range of contributing factors
"It's comprehensive, covering many aspects of health."
"Learned so much about how my lifestyle affects my blood pressure in ways I never imagined. The connection between muscle pain and BP was completely new to me."
"The modules on sleep and nutrition were very practical."
"Very informative course... The emphasis on sleep and stress was timely."
Complex physiological concepts made simple
"The scientific explanations about the sympathetic nervous system and HPA axis were fascinating and easy to understand."
"The instructor clearly explains complex topics like blood pressure regulation and the sympathetic nervous system without overwhelming you."
"It explains the science behind the methods clearly."
"Very informative course... It validated some things I suspected and introduced many new concepts."
Emphasizes lifestyle & science over drugs
"This course was a revelation! I've struggled with high blood pressure for years and felt stuck just taking pills. This opened my eyes to the power of lifestyle changes..."
"Excellent course! ... I appreciated the focus on root causes rather than just symptoms."
"Fantastic course that gives you the tools to understand and manage your blood pressure naturally."
"A solid course debunking some myths and providing science-backed non-pharma approaches."
Some issues with delivery and quality
"...the production quality isn't the best, and some lectures felt like they were just reading off slides."
"Interesting concepts, but the delivery is a bit dry."
"...some of the figures/diagrams weren't very clear."
"Could improve the presentation style and maybe add transcripts for easier review."
Strong on 'why', needs more 'how-to'
"Some parts felt a little repetitive, and I wish there were more detailed, actionable plans for implementing all the suggested changes. It gives you the 'why' but sometimes lacks the specific 'how-to' steps."
"I was hoping for more concrete, step-by-step guidance on how to implement the changes. It talks a lot about the *factors* increasing BP but less about practical daily routines..."
"...it feels like a broad introduction rather than a deep dive. don't expect miracle cures or highly detailed protocols."
"It's too theoretical for me; I need actionable steps."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Lower Blood Pressure and Overcome Hypertension with these activities:
Review Basic Physiology
Reinforce your understanding of the physiological mechanisms that regulate blood pressure before diving into the course material.
Show steps
  • Review your notes from previous biology or physiology courses.
  • Read articles or watch videos explaining basic cardiovascular function.
  • Take a practice quiz on blood pressure regulation.
Read 'The Great Cholesterol Myth'
Understand alternative perspectives on cardiovascular health and the limitations of solely focusing on cholesterol.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Great Cholesterol Myth'.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key arguments and evidence.
  • Reflect on how the book's ideas relate to the course content.
Track Your Sleep Quality
Monitor your sleep patterns and identify areas for improvement to better understand the impact of sleep on blood pressure.
Show steps
  • Download a sleep tracking app or use a wearable device.
  • Track your sleep for at least one week, noting sleep duration, quality, and wake times.
  • Analyze your sleep data and identify potential areas for improvement.
  • Implement strategies to improve your sleep, such as establishing a regular sleep schedule.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Journal About Stressors
Reflect on your daily stressors and emotional responses to identify triggers for sympathetic nervous system activation.
Show steps
  • Set aside time each day to write in a journal.
  • Describe events that caused you stress or anxiety.
  • Note your physical and emotional reactions to these events.
  • Identify patterns and triggers for your stress responses.
Read 'Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers'
Gain a deeper understanding of the physiological effects of stress and its connection to hypertension.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to cardiovascular health and stress.
  • Consider how the concepts in the book apply to your own life and health.
Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Reduce sympathetic nervous system activation through regular mindfulness practice.
Show steps
  • Find a quiet place to sit comfortably.
  • Focus on your breath, noticing the sensation of each inhale and exhale.
  • When your mind wanders, gently redirect your attention back to your breath.
  • Practice for 10-15 minutes each day.
Create a Blood Pressure Action Plan
Synthesize the course material into a personalized plan for managing your blood pressure.
Show steps
  • Review the key concepts and recommendations from the course.
  • Identify specific lifestyle changes you can implement to lower your blood pressure.
  • Set realistic goals and create a timeline for achieving them.
  • Document your plan in a written format, including specific actions, goals, and timelines.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Lower Blood Pressure and Overcome Hypertension will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner
A lifestyle medicine practitioner treats chronic diseases using non-pharmacological methods, and this course aligns perfectly with this approach, specifically for hypertension. This course dives into the science of blood pressure regulation and its relationship with factors beyond diet and exercise, such as sleep, stress, and social connections. A lifestyle medicine practitioner may integrate the lessons about the sympathetic nervous system and how to down-regulate it using non-pharmaceutical methods in their practice. This course provides a foundation for a comprehensive approach to reducing blood pressure, making it useful for anyone interested in becoming a lifestyle medicine practitioner.
Integrative Health Practitioner
An integrative health practitioner takes a holistic approach to health and wellness, and this course aligns perfectly with that, as it explores the interconnectedness of various systems. An integrative health practitioner addresses physical, psychological, and social factors, which are all discussed in this course in relation to their effect on blood pressure. An integrative health practitioner may find the information in this course useful in understanding how lifestyle interventions can treat hypertension. A practitioner who understands current medical research and how it relates to patient care will find this course especially useful.
Holistic Health Practitioner
A holistic health practitioner considers the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health, which is exactly what this course does. The course explores how various factors, such as sleep, stress, nutrition, and social connection, can influence blood pressure. A holistic health practitioner may find the course valuable, since it looks beyond the typical treatment methods of hypertension. A holistic health practitioner will find the course's emphasis on the sympathetic nervous system useful in understanding the mechanisms through which these factors increase blood pressure. This course is useful for a holistic health practitioner looking to deepen their understanding of the factors that influence hypertension.
Wellness Coach
A wellness coach guides clients toward healthier lifestyles, and this course directly aligns with that goal, focusing on lowering blood pressure without medication. A wellness coach often works with clients to address various lifestyle factors, and this course covers many of those areas, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and psychological factors, all of which can affect blood pressure. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the interconnectedness of these factors through the lens of blood pressure, which would be useful for a wellness coach who needs to educate their clients. Someone who wants to become a wellness coach should take this course because it will allow them to understand the role of the sympathetic nervous system and its impact on blood pressure beyond diet and exercise.
Health Coach
A health coach supports clients in making sustainable lifestyle changes for better health. This course may be useful, because it addresses many critical factors implicated in blood pressure. A health coach works with clients to improve their sleep, diet, stress levels, and social connections, all of which are topics discussed in this course. This course may help a health coach, providing a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of these issues on blood pressure regulation. Someone who wants to become a health coach should take this course because it helps build a foundation for a more holistic approach to health.
Nutritionist
A nutritionist advises on the impact of food on health, and this course provides insight into how diet can impact blood pressure. A nutritionist often builds their practice based on the latest research, which is a focus of this course, which aims to bring the learner up to the cutting edge of medical science. This course provides a deeper understanding of how nutrition impacts not only blood pressure and weight but also insulin resistance, which further affects blood pressure. While a nutritionist may already be aware of the relation between diet and blood pressure, this course will allow them to have a more advanced and holistic approach, which would be beneficial to their clients.
Health Researcher
A health researcher explores various aspects of health and disease, and this course delves into current research on non-pharmacological interventions for hypertension. A health researcher needs to understand the mechanisms of hypertension to explore its underlying causes and potential treatments. This course goes into the research showing that the sympathetic nervous system is central to blood pressure regulation, and that it can be influenced by many factors. A health researcher could use this information to develop new research questions. Someone who wants to become a health researcher, and study hypertension, would find this course quite useful.
Health Educator
A health educator develops and implements programs to promote health and wellness. This course is relevant in that it provides an in depth understanding of the non-pharmacological methods to reduce blood pressure. A health educator often needs to understand mechanisms of health and disease and this course goes deep into the physiology of blood pressure regulation and the contributing factors to hypertension. This course may be useful to a health educator that is tasked with creating programs that address hypertension. The course's comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of hypertension will make them a more knowledgable health educator.
Corporate Wellness Specialist
A corporate wellness specialist designs and implements programs to improve employee health, and this course gives a useful understanding of blood pressure regulation, which is a common health concern. A corporate wellness specialist often works to educate and influence employees to adopt healthier habits. This course explores various lifestyle factors influencing blood pressure, such as sleep, diet, psychological well-being, and exercise, making it a valuable resource for a corporate wellness specialist who wants to create comprehensive programs. This course may be useful, because it provides a systemic understanding of health and wellness from the perspective of hypertension.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer helps clients improve their physical fitness, and this course teaches about the connection between exercise and blood pressure. While diet and exercise are mentioned, a personal trainer will find useful the knowledge of the underlying causes of high blood pressure, such as the sympathetic nervous system, insulin resistance, and sleep issues. This course helps explain how these factors can impact not only fitness but also blood pressure. A personal trainer who desires a deeper understanding of the health issues that their clients may face should take this course.
Stress Management Consultant
A stress management consultant helps individuals manage and reduce stress, and this course emphasizes the role of the sympathetic nervous system and stress in increased blood pressure. This course explores many factors that affect blood pressure, including psychological factors, which are directly related to how one responds to stress. A stress management consultant would value learning how the sympathetic nervous system can be down-regulated to improve blood pressure. This course may be useful to a stress management consultant, because it expands their knowledge of the physiological impacts of stress.
Sleep Consultant
A sleep consultant helps people improve their sleep quality, and this course directly addresses the impact of sleep on blood pressure. A sleep consultant often focuses on understanding sleep physiology. This course explains how poor sleep quality and sleep restriction can lead to an elevated sympathetic nervous system, which in turn results in higher blood pressure. While the role of a sleep consultant may not include treating blood pressure, this course provides a valuable perspective on how sleep is connected to overall health. A sleep consultant seeking a deeper knowledge of the physiological repercussions of poor sleep may find this course to be useful.
Public Health Advocate
A public health advocate promotes policies and programs designed to improve population health. This course provides information about the non-pharmacological interventions for hypertension. A public health advocate will find useful the research that this course highlights. This course takes a deep dive into the physiological, psychological, and lifestyle aspects of hypertension, which may be helpful to a public health advocate who is working to lower the rates of high blood pressure in their communities. This course may be useful for a public health advocate who wants to have a deeper and cutting edge understanding of the risk factors for hypertension.
Rehabilitation Specialist
A rehabilitation specialist helps patients recover from injuries or illnesses. This course may be useful, as hypertension can be a comorbidity for patients undergoing rehabilitation. A rehabilitation specialist often needs to understand the physiological aspects of health and wellness so that they can provide optimal care. This course examines the physiological factors that influence blood pressure, which may give context for the health issues of rehabilitation patients. A rehabilitation specialist could implement a more informed practice by understanding the interplay of psychological and lifestyle factors on blood pressure as understood in this course.
Medical Writer
A medical writer communicates complex medical information to various audiences, and this course provides cutting-edge insights into hypertension that may be needed in their work. A medical writer often needs to understand the latest research and treatment options. This course delves into both the standard medical approaches and non-pharmacological interventions for hypertension, with an emphasis on modern research. A medical writer will find this course useful not only for its discussions of cutting-edge science, but also how to contextualize that science for patients. This course may be helpful for a medical writer who desires a more complete understanding of hypertension.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Lower Blood Pressure and Overcome Hypertension.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the stress response and its impact on health. It explains how chronic stress can lead to various health problems, including hypertension. Reading this book will give you a deeper understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying the connection between stress and blood pressure. It valuable resource for understanding the science behind the course's recommendations.
Challenges conventional wisdom about cholesterol and heart disease. It provides a different perspective on the causes of cardiovascular issues, emphasizing inflammation and other factors beyond just cholesterol levels. Reading this book can help you understand the limitations of standard medical approaches and appreciate the importance of lifestyle factors discussed in the course. It serves as valuable additional reading to broaden your understanding.

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