High blood pressure is usually present for years before its complications develop. Ideally, hypertension is treated early, before it damages critical organs in the body. Increased public awareness and screening programs to detect early, uncomplicated hypertension are keys to successful treatment. Successful early treatment of high blood pressure can significantly decrease the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.
There are several types of drugs used to treat high blood pressure, including:
· Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
· Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
· Diuretics
· Beta-blockers
· Calcium channel blockers
· Alpha-blockers
· Alpha-agonists
· Renin inhibitors
· Combination medications
Diuretics are often recommended as the first line of therapy for most people who have high blood pressure.
However, your doctor may start a medicine other than a diuretic as the first line of therapy if you have certain medical problems. For example, ACE inhibitors are often a choice for a people with diabetes. If one drug doesn't work or is disagreeable, other types of drugs are available.
If your blood pressure is more than 20/10 points higher than it should be, your doctor may consider starting you on two drugs or placing you on a combination drug.
· Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
· Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
· Diuretics
· Beta-blockers
· Calcium channel blockers
· Alpha-blockers
· Alpha-agonists
· Renin inhibitors
· Combination medications
Diuretics are often recommended as the first line of therapy for most people who have high blood pressure.
However, your doctor may start a medicine other than a diuretic as the first line of therapy if you have certain medical problems. For example, ACE inhibitors are often a choice for a people with diabetes. If one drug doesn't work or is disagreeable, other types of drugs are available.
If your blood pressure is more than 20/10 points higher than it should be, your doctor may consider starting you on two drugs or placing you on a combination drug.
Which lifestyle modifications are beneficial in treating high blood pressure?
Lifestyle modifications refer to certain specific recommendations for changes in habits, diet and exercise. These modifications can lower the blood pressure as well as improve a patient's response to blood pressure medications.
Alcohol
People who drink alcohol excessively (over two drinks per day*) have a one and a half to two times increase in the prevalence of hypertension. The association between alcohol and high blood pressure is particularly noticeable when alcohol intake exceeds five drinks per day. The connection is a dose-related phenomenon. In other words, the more alcohol consumed, the stronger is the link with hypertension.
*The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism considers a standard drink to be 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. Each contains roughly the same amount of absolute alcohol- approximately one-half ounce or 12 grams.
Smoking
Although smoking increases the risk of vascular complications (for example, heart disease and stroke) in people who already have hypertension, it is not associated with an increase in the development of hypertension. But cigarette smoking can repeatedly produce an immediate, temporary rise in the blood pressure of 5 to10 mm Hg. Steady smokers however, may have a lower blood pressure than nonsmokers. The reason for this is that nicotine in cigarettes causes a decrease in appetite, which leads to weight loss. This, in turn, lowers blood pressure.
Treatment: The DASH Diet
You may be able to lower your blood pressure by switching a better diet. The DASH Diet - Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension - involves eating more fruits, vegetables, whol-grain foods, low-fat dairy, fish, poultry, and nuts. You should eat less red meat, saturated, fats, and sweets. Reducing sodium in your diet can also have a significant effect.
Treatment: Exercise
Regular exercise helps lower your blood pressure. Adults should get about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. That could include gardening, walking briskly, bicycling, or other aerobic exercise. Muscle-strengthening activities are recommended at least two days a week and should work all major muscle groups.
Treatment: Complementary Therapies
Meditation can put your body into a state of deep rest, which can lower your blood pressure. Yoga, tai chi, and deep breathing also help. These relaxation techniques should be combined with other lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. Be aware that herbal therapies may conflict with other medications you take, and some herbs actually raise blood pressure. Tell your doctor you take herbal or other dietary supplements.