Supplements are often seen as “healthy.” People may recommend them to improve your health. But cardiologists warn that it’s vital to investigate claims and side effects of taking any supplement, especially because some may raise your blood pressure.
“Keeping blood pressure steady helps protect your heart,” explains Dr. Patrick Kee, MD, Ph.D., a cardiologist at Vital Heart & Vein in Houston. “Some supplements can push it up or reveal hidden issues. Supplements aren’t always discussed during checkups, so they might be overlooked as a cause of higher readings.”
When doctors don’t know what supplements you’re taking, Dr. Kee says they might prescribe treatments for high blood pressure that you don’t need. Instead, you may need to tweak your supplement intake.
Dr. Kevin Kheder, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Hoag, adds that it’s natural for our blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day as we exercise and experience stress.
“A brief spike doesn’t necessarily mean you have ‘high blood pressure,’ but a significantly high or prolonged spike in blood pressure can be dangerous, and it’s especially dangerous for those with heart disease or underlying blood vessel problems,” he tells Parade.
Dr. Kheder says the risks of chronically high blood pressure include higher chances of a heart attack and stroke because your heart is working harder to pump blood throughout the body. The tricky part?
“You can feel completely fine while damage is happening, which is why checking your blood pressure regularly is so important,” he adds.
Experts urge patients to tell your doctor about any supplements you’re taking, because they may be causing a high reading. In particular, cardiologists warn that one unexpected supplement can spike blood pressure without you realizing it.
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This Unexpected Supplement Can Spike Blood Pressure, Cardiologists Warn
Cardiologists, including Dr. Kee, suggest being wary of supplements and other products containing bitter orange. Bitter orange shares similarities with substances that can stimulate your nervous system and spike blood pressure.
Dr. Kee notes that bitter orange is common in supplements and products marketed for fat-burning, weight loss, pre-workout “performance enhancement” and energy, but it’s also in foods and drinks like jams and Grand Marnier.
But what even is bitter orange (Citrus aurantium)?
It’s a type of citrus fruit, and its extract is heavily used in supplements. It has a natural chemical called p-synephrine, a substance the FDA banned from supplements in 2004, explains Dr. Ryan Karl Kaple, MD, FACC, FSCAI, the director of the Structural & Congenital Heart Program at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC).
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“When you ingest synephrine, it acts on your nervous system, causing your blood vessels to constrict—narrow—and your heart to beat faster,” Dr. Kaple explains. “When your heart pumps faster and forces blood through narrower pipes, your blood pressure spikes.”
The American College of Cardiology also reported in 2005 that bitter orange might contribute to high blood pressure that’s difficult to treat.
“If you already have high blood pressure or conditions affecting your heart, thyroid, liver, kidneys, mental health, or seizures—or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding—you may be more likely to see a blood pressure bump from bitter orange,” Dr. Kee tells Parade.
He also warns that people should be especially careful if they’re taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine and Selegiline.
“They could face a sudden blood pressure spike with bitter orange, especially if the product also includes stimulants like caffeine, ephedrine, methylsynephrine or similar ingredients,” Dr. Kee explains.
That said, Dr. Kheder points out that not every bitter orange product will raise blood pressure in every person.
“But there are enough safety concerns, including reports of serious cardiovascular events involving supplements containing bitter orange, that I would be cautious about taking it for weight loss or energy,” he emphasizes.
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Where Can You Find Bitter Orange?
Bitter orange is available on its own as a supplement, but cardiologists say it’s typically found in products claiming to help with weight loss, metabolism, energy and workout performance. Dr. Kheder shares that you “may see it listed as Citrus aurantium or see its active compound, synephrine, listed on the label.”
“Bitter orange is often used in jams, preserves, sauces, some baked goods and can also be found in certain herbal teas,” adds Dr. Amit Blumfield, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC and contributor to LabFinder.com.
According to Dr. Kheder, most people won’t experience a massive spike in blood pressure from consuming the amount of bitter orange normally found in food.
“It’s not the same as taking a concentrated supplement,” he says. “My concern is primarily with products designed to deliver a stronger or more stimulating effect, rather than ordinary food use.”
Still, Dr. Kee says there’s no “known safe amount for bitter orange.”
To be clear, Dr. Kheder also recommends caution with bitter orange, especially in combination products, since they may contain other stimulants, like caffeine, that could spike blood pressure. It’s best not to assume a product is safe just because it’s sold over the counter, especially because the FDA doesn’t approve supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market.
“Check the ingredient list and discuss supplements with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or take medication,” he says.
Related: Weighted Vests Are Everywhere—but a Cardiologist Says Some People Should Think Twice Before Using One
Heart-Friendly Alternatives to Bitter Orange That Support Your Health Goals
Bitter orange often gets billed as a cure-all for low energy, weight loss and improved exercise performance. While managing your weight and physical activity are certainly heart-healthy—and you need energy to do either—there are more proven ways to achieve your health goals. Dr. Kaple shares some “habit swaps” for bitter orange.
Instead of bitter orange for energy, Dr. Kaple suggests prioritizing seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night, staying hydrated and eating balanced meals with complex carbohydrates and protein to avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes. “Believe it or not, stepping away from your desk to take a brisk 10-minute walk can provide a much safer, more effective natural energy boost than any supplement,” Dr. Kaple says. Instead of bitter orange for weight loss, Dr. Kaple recommends a heart-healthy dietary pattern, like the Mediterranean diet (lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats and veggies). He also advises people to do cardio and strength training consistently, and to remember, “The healthiest weight loss is sustainable and gradual.” Instead of bitter orange for exercise performance, nourish your body. Dr. Kaple recommends a small, easily digestible carbohydrate snack—like a banana or a piece of whole-wheat toast—about 30 to 60 minutes before you work out. “If you need a pre-workout kick, a plain cup of black coffee or green tea is a much safer alternative that has proven performance benefits, provided you don’t have an underlying heart condition that makes you sensitive to caffeine,” he shares.Your cardiologist or primary care doctor can work with you to find other ways to support your goals and your heart.
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Sources:
Dr. Patrick Kee, MD, Ph.D., a cardiologist at Vital Heart & Vein in Houston Dr. Kevin Kheder, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Hoag Dr. Ryan Karl Kaple, MD, FACC, FSCAI, the director of the Structural & Congenital Heart Program at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) Bitter Orange. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Integrating Complementary Medicine Into Cardiovascular Medicine: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation Task Force on Clinical Expert Consensus Documents (Writing Committee to Develop an Expert Consensus Document on Complementary and Integrative Medicine). American College of Cardiology Foundation Task Force. Dr. Amit Blumfield, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC and contributor to LabFinder.comHence then, the article about cardiologists warn that this unexpected supplement can spike blood pressure was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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