Fact Check: Can wearing a silver and copper bracelet control Hypertension?

Claim: A post on the social media platform Instagram claims that wearing a silver bracelet (known as a Kada) with a copper nail placed in between, with the nail touching the base of the bracelet, will keep high blood pressure under control. The video is made in Hindi language and can be accessed here. 

Fact Check: This claim is FALSE.

What is Hypertension?

According to the European Society of Hypertension (ESH), hypertension is defined as a condition where blood pressure is consistently elevated above normal levels. The specific criteria set by ESH for diagnosing hypertension are:

Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) of 140 mmHg or higher.

Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mmHg or higher. (1)

How is Hypertension classified?

The classification of hypertension according to ESH is as follows (1):

Optimal: Systolic Blood Pressure <120 mmHg and Diastolic Blood Pressure <80 mmHg.

Normal: Systolic Blood Pressure 120–129 mmHg and Diastolic Blood Pressure 80–84 mmHg.

High-Normal: Systolic Blood Pressure 130–139 mmHg and/or Diastolic Blood Pressure 85–89 mmHg.

Grade 1 Hypertension: Systolic Blood Pressure 140–159 mmHg and/or Diastolic Blood Pressure 90–99 mmHg.

Grade 2 Hypertension: Systolic Blood Pressure 160–179 mmHg and/or Diastolic Blood Pressure 100–109 mmHg.

Grade 3 Hypertension: Systolic Blood Pressure ≥180 mmHg and/or Diastolic Blood Pressure ≥110 mmHg.

Isolated Systolic Hypertension: Systolic Blood Pressure ≥140 mmHg and Diastolic Blood Pressure <90 mmHg.

Isolated Diastolic Hypertension: Systolic Blood Pressure <140 mmHg and Diastolic Blood Pressure ≥90 mmHg.

Can a bracelet made of silver and copper control high blood pressure?

According to astrological beliefs, wearing bracelets made of metals such as silver and copper (known as kadas) offers various health benefits. Astrology is the belief that the positions and movements of celestial bodies can influence human behaviour and natural events. These include enhanced vitality, mood stabilization, and potential improvements in conditions like hypertension. Silver is believed to have antimicrobial properties and can detoxify the body, while copper is thought to boost energy and mitigate negative astrological influences.

However, it is crucial to understand that no scientific evidence exists to substantiate these claims. The purported health benefits of wearing silver and copper jewellery are based on traditional and cultural practices, not empirical scientific research.

What do the experts say?

Responding to the claim, Dr Prem Aggarwal, Cardiologist and Chairman of Sanjeevan Hospital, New Delhi, explained, “ Though silver and copper hold cultural significance, no medical evidence supports their effectiveness in managing hypertension. Patients should follow evidence-based treatments and consult healthcare professionals. Management of hypertension involves a combination of lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and, if needed, medications prescribed by doctors.”

What are the proven methods to manage hypertension?

Speaking with the Health Dialogues Fact Check Team, Dr Manav Aggarwal, Interventional Cardiologist at Sanjeevan Hospital, New Delhi, said, “Managing hypertension requires a holistic approach that integrates lifestyle modifications with pharmacological interventions, tailored to the individual's condition severity. Key dietary recommendations include reducing sodium intake, increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, and limiting saturated fats and processed foods. Regular moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes on most days, is another fundamental aspect of blood pressure management. Reducing alcohol intake and cessation of smoking are critical, as both behaviours exacerbate hypertension. Incorporating stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, can also play a significant role in controlling blood pressure. Medication may be necessary for those whose lifestyle changes are insufficient to achieve desired blood pressure levels. The choice of drugs—such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, or calcium channel blockers—depends on the patient's overall health and specific hypertension characteristics.”

Health Dialogues Final Take:

There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus that wearing bracelets made of silver and copper can help control hypertension or high blood pressure. While these metals are often attributed to various health benefits in cultural and traditional contexts, there is no empirical research to substantiate the effectiveness of silver and copper bracelets in managing blood pressure levels. Such beliefs are rooted in tradition rather than in scientifically validated data.

Hence, this claim is FALSE.

Reference:
1. Mancia, Giuseppea,∗; Kreutz, Reinholdb,∗; Brunström, Mattiasc; Burnier, Micheld; Grassi, Guidoe; Januszewicz, Andrzejf; Muiesan, Maria Lorenzag; Tsioufis, Konstantinosh; Agabiti-Rosei, Enricoi; Algharably, Engi Abd Elhadyb; Azizi, Michelj,k; Benetos, Athanasel; Borghi, Claudiom; Hitij, Jana Brguljann; Cifkova, Renatao,p; Coca, Antonioq; Cornelissen, Veroniquer; Cruickshank, J. Kennedys; Cunha, Pedro G.t,u; Danser, A.H. Janv; Pinho, Rosa Maria dew; Delles, Christianx; Dominiczak, Anna F.y; Dorobantu, Mariaz; Doumas, Michalisaa; Fernández-Alfonso, María S.bb,cc; Halimi, Jean-Micheldd,ee,ff; Járai, Zoltángg; Jelaković, Bojanhh; Jordan, Jensii,jj; Kuznetsova, Tatianakk; Laurent, Stephanell; Lovic, Draganmm; Lurbe, Emparnn,oo,pp; Mahfoud, Felixqq,rr; Manolis, Athanasiosss; Miglinas, Mariustt,uu; Narkiewicz, Krzystofvv; Niiranen, Teemuww,xx; Palatini, Paoloyy; Parati, Gianfrancozz,aaa; Pathak, Atulbbb; Persu, Alexandreccc; Polonia, Jorgeddd; Redon, Josepoo,eee,fff; Sarafidis, Pantelisggg; Schmieder, Rolandhhh; Spronck, Bartiii; Stabouli, Stellajjj; Stergiou, Georgekkk; Taddei, Stefanolll; Thomopoulos, Costasmmm; Tomaszewski, Maciejnnn,ooo; Van de Borne, Philippeppp; Wanner, Christophqqq; Weber, Thomasrrr; Williams, Bryansss; Zhang, Zhen-Yuttt; Kjeldsen, Sverre E.uuu. 2023 ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension The Task Force for the management of arterial hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension: Endorsed by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) and the European Renal Association (ERA). Journal of Hypertension 41(12):p 1874-2071, December 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003480