Pickles contain high amount of salt. High amounts of salt can increase the blood pressure in those with salt sensitive hypertensionIncrease in blood pressurehigh blood pressure. More over high salt intake can reduce the effectiveness of some medicines taken for hypertensionIncrease in blood pressurehigh blood pressure. Hence pickles are better avoided by those with high blood pressure, especially if they have heart failure as well.

PrehypertensionBlood pressure between 120 - 139 mm Hg systolic and 80 - 89 mm Hg diastolic is defined as blood pressure between 120 –  139 mm Hg systolic and 80 – 89 mm Hg diastolic, according the JNC 7 (Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure).

Polycythemiaincrease in number of blood cells rubrared veraa condition in which there is an abnormal increase in the erythrocyte count is a condition in which there is an abnormal increase in the erythrocyte count. Increased number of circulating erythrocytesred blood cells increase the blood viscosity and clog the renal circulationblood flow to the kidney causing renal ischemiaDecreased supply of oxygenated blood, usually due to blockages in the blood vesselsdecreased blood flow to the kidneys, which triggers the secretion of renina hormone secreted by the kidney. Renina hormone secreted by the kidney in turn increases the secretion of angiotensin, a potent vasoconstrictoragent which narrows blood vessels which increases blood pressure. Angiotensin increases secretion of aldosteronean adrenal hormone which causes salt and water retention which causes salt and water retention, another reason for increased blood pressure

Orthostaticrelated to erect posture (standing) hypotensionfall in blood pressure on standing up (fall in blood pressure on standing up) is an adverse effect common to diureticsMedicines which increase the production of urine, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACEangiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBangiotensin receptor blockers), sympatholyticsdrugs which block the effect of sympathetic nervous system – different types of antihypertensivemedicine used to control high blood pressure drugs. Combining ACEangiotensin converting enzyme inhibitorsdrugs which block the action angiotensin converting enzyme or ARBs with diureticsMedicines which increase the production of urine is more prone for this. This adverse effect is more likely to occur in those who are hypovolemichaving low blood volume.

Extremely high blood pressure or rapidly increasing blood pressure is better treated with medications. Control of blood pressure without medication is by life style modification. Mild elevations of blood pressure can be controlled just by lifestyle modifications. Even those with higher blood pressure need lifestyle modification as a supplement to medications. LIfe style modifications include reducing weight, increasing physical activity, low salt diet and management of anxiety.