Bioactive Marine Peptides. Learn the Proper Use of PreCardix®
Blood Pressure Health | Cardiovascular Health | Bioactive Marine Peptides | Proper Use of PreCardix®
Product Information and Proper Use of PreCardix®
PreCardix® is an effective non-prescription natural health product for healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular health. A therapeutic dose of PreCardix® contains 1200 mg of unique bioactive marine peptides (small fragments of protein) derived from cold-water shrimp shells (Pandalus borealis). These peptides have been found in peer-reviewed clinical trials to have a statistically significant effect on blood pressure health. Healthy blood pressure is an important factor for longevity, and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels reduces the risk of developing blood pressure-related conditions. Review this article to learn more about the Proper Use of PreCardix®
Health Canada approves PreCardix® as a safe and effective natural product for healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also approve PreCardix®. PreCardix® is an innovation of Marealis, a certified B Corporation.
Clinically Proven to Support Healthy Blood Pressure
PreCardix® bioactive marine peptides were studied in people with mild to moderately elevated blood pressure. When taken as directed each day, 1200 mg of PreCardix® has a clinically proven and statistically significant effect on blood pressure health.
The clinical trial, published in the International Journal of Hypertension, showed that 89% of adults with mild to moderately elevated blood pressure experienced a significant effect within eight weeks or less.
Directions and Dose. Proper Use of PreCardix®
Adults: Take two (2) tablets (1200mg) together daily, preferably away from food.
Allow 8 weeks (2 packs) to achieve results and continue to take daily to maintain results. Measure and monitor blood pressure regularly.
Consult with your health care provider before making changes to your blood pressure management plan.
Understanding Blood Pressure
When blood pressure is measured, two values are recorded; systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). For example, 120/80 mmHg.
The first number represents systolic blood pressure; the maximum force blood exerts against blood vessels. This number tells you the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart is beating. The second number is diastolic blood pressure; the lowest force blood exerts against blood vessels. This number tells you the pressure in the arteries when the heart is relaxing between beats.
PreCardix® Effectiveness
The effect of PreCardix® bioactive marine peptides on blood pressure observed in study participants ranged from 0 – 38 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and 0 – 28.7 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure compared to individual baselines (blood pressure results per participant at the start of the study). Compared to baseline, the average improvement in blood pressure was 6.7 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 1.7 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure within 8 weeks1.
The speed of effectiveness also varied by the individual during the clinical trial. 31% of adults experienced significant effects after two weeks, and 89% experienced significant effects by eight weeks.
1 Musa-Veloso K, Paulionis L, Pelipyagina T, Evans M. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicentre Trial of the Effects of a Shrimp Protein Hydrolysate on Blood Pressure. Int J Hypertens. 2019;2019:2345042. Published 2019 Aug 5. doi:10.1155/2019/2345042. Ref. table 4.
How does PreCardix® Work?
PreCardix® bioactive marine peptides have a clinically documented ACE inhibiting mechanism of action. ACE inhibitors affect blood pressure by preventing ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) from converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II increases blood pressure in several ways, including stimulating sodium and fluid retention and constricting blood vessels. Inhibiting excess levels of ACE reduces angiotensin II.
Safety and Cautions for the Proper Use of PreCardix®
PreCardix® clinical trials were conducted on a healthy population without pre-existing medical conditions. Cautions are inferred based on the cautions for common ACE inhibiting medication. Individuals with pre-existing conditions should be closely monitored by their health care provider when initiating PreCardix®.
Do not take PreCardix® if you:
- have a shellfish allergy
- have a history of angioedema related to previous use of ACE inhibitors
- have renal artery stenosis
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- are age 18 or under
Side Effects
There’s been no reported serious side effects with PreCardix®. PreCardix® has not been found to cause side effects sometimes associated with ACE inhibitor medication such as dry cough, itching, edema (swelling), high potassium levels, or hypotension (low blood pressure).
PreCardix® may cause moderate nausea. One case of mild; euphoric mood, fatigue, upper abdominal pain, and headache occurred during the clinical trial.
Taking PreCardix® with other Medication or Supplements. Proper Use of PreCardix®
Ensure you consult your primary healthcare provider before adding PreCardix® alongside other medications or supplements. Do not stop your current medication without your healthcare provider’s advice. Regularly monitor your blood pressure.
Researchers have not studied PreCardix® in combination with other medications or supplements. We infer interactions from documented interactions of common ACE-inhibiting drugs, and other interactions may occur.
Combining PreCardix® with other blood pressure medications or natural health products may enhance its effect on blood pressure, potentially causing low blood pressure. This effect, particularly notable with the combination of alpha-blocking medication and ACE inhibitors after the first dose, is well-documented. Watch for this potential effect.
In clinical trials, PreCardix® bioactive marine peptides did not raise potassium levels. However, the ACE inhibiting action of PreCardix® necessitates frequent monitoring of potassium levels, especially when using agents that increase serum potassium, such as potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, and potassium-containing salts.
A potential causal relationship exists between ACE inhibitor treatments and allopurinol, a pharmaceutical treatment for gout, which may lead to hypersensitivity. Use PreCardix® cautiously with allopurinol until further research clarifies safety.
NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen, may lessen the effect of ACE-inhibiting medications. If taking NSAIDs with PreCardix®, monitor your blood pressure regularly.
Administer intravenous iron infusions with caution in individuals using PreCardix®. ACE inhibitors may increase the systemic effects of IV iron, while oral iron supplementation poses no concern.
Individuals on lithium should frequently monitor their lithium levels. ACE inhibitors can reduce the renal elimination of lithium, potentially leading to lithium toxicity, including CNS symptoms, ECG changes, and renal failure. We have not studied PreCardix® alongside lithium medication.
Interactions with food
There are no known interactions with food.
Study Review
The clinical trial reporting PreCardix® bioactive marine peptides’ effect on blood pressure health was reviewed by Health Canada, Hypertension Canada, and Canadian pharmacists. The study is peer-reviewed and published in the International Journal of Hypertension. Read the study here:
Hindawi |International Journal of Hypertension | August 5, 2019 Volume 2019 | Article ID 2345042
Measuring and Monitoring Blood Pressure on PreCardix®
Use the following chart or download the PreCardix® Free Blood Pressure App to establish baseline blood pressure and record weekly results.
Baseline Blood Pressure – Your Blood Pressure Before Starting PreCardix®
Please record your baseline blood pressure. Example 120/80. The top number is your systolic blood pressure. The bottom number is your diastolic blood pressure. For more information visit our FAQ ‘how do I measure my baseline and weekly blood pressure’.
Please record your blood pressure each week. Example: 120/80. At the end of eight weeks record the difference between your baseline blood pressure and your week 8 blood pressure. Every 2 mmHg improvement has a significant effect on outcomes.
Download these recording tables here.
Important Information
Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your blood pressure management plan. PreCardix® does not treat, cure, or prevent medical conditions. Measure and monitor blood pressure regularly. Know the signs of heart attack and stroke.
Do not take PreCardix® if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have renal artery stenosis, have a history of angioneurotic edema, or have a shellfish allergy. Consult product guidelines for additional information. Print and share the product monograph with your healthcare provider.
PreCardix® is an innovation of Marealis Inc. a Norwegian Bio-Tech company dedicated to finding natural, sustainable, and effective marine-based solutions for blood pressure health, globally. Designed in Norway. Manufactured in North America.