Treatment FAQ

how to know if you need treatment of high blood pressure

by Rebecca Thompson Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

If you have certain symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, headache, excessive sweating, palpitations or irregular heart beats, problems with your vision, or confusion; these may be serious and should warrant prompt medical attention.

Medication

Causes. Any factor that increases pressure against the artery walls can lead to elevated blood pressure. The buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries (atherosclerosis) can lead to high blood pressure. Besides atherosclerosis, other conditions that can lead to elevated blood pressure or high blood pressure include: Obstructive sleep apnea.

Nutrition

Top Homeopathic Remedies to Lower Blood Pressure

  1. Belladonna. While good for throbbing and violent conditions that start suddenly, it can be useful for high blood pressure as well.
  2. Glonoinum. This one is helpful for high blood pressure that may be accompanied by a pulsating, congestive headache that worsens in the sun.
  3. Nux Vomica. ...
  4. Natrum Mur. ...
  5. Baryta Carbonica. ...
  6. Aurum. ...
  7. Lachesis. ...
  8. Allium Sativa. ...
  9. Amyl Nitrosum. ...

More items...

What causes your blood pressure to suddenly get high?

it was the Mediterranean diet that performed better with respect to lowering blood pressure numbers. And, for many people, adhering to a less restrictive Med-style way of eating is more appealing than a vegan diet with low levels of fat. This isn't the ...

What are the best remedies for high blood pressure?

  • Dizziness
  • Nervousness
  • Sweating
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Facial flushing
  • Blood spots in eyes

Which foods naturally lower blood pressure?

What are the signs your blood pressure is too high?

See more

image

When should you get treatment for high blood pressure?

If you're 60 or older, the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend you start treatment if your top blood pressure number is 130 or higher.

What are the symptoms of untreated high blood pressure?

But high blood pressure left untreated can cause permanent vision loss or impairment....Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis include:Blurry vision or other vision problems.Dizziness.Lightheadedness.Severe headaches.Nosebleed.Shortness of breath.Chest discomfort or pain.A feeling of anxiety or that something is not right.

Do you need to treat high blood pressure immediately?

Is it a High Blood Pressure Emergency? If you are trying to rapidly lower your blood pressure at home, dial 9-1-1 immediately. You cannot safely treat dangerous high blood pressure at home. Your best move is to lie down flat and calm yourself until emergency help arrives.

When should you consult a doctor about high blood pressure?

Call your doctor if: Your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher on two or more occasions. Your blood pressure is usually normal and well controlled, but it goes above the normal range (120/80) on more than one occasion.

What are the 4 stages of hypertension?

High blood pressure is classified in one of several categories — and those designations can influence treatment. Doctors classify blood pressure into four categories: normal, prehypertension (mild), stage 1 (moderate) and stage 2 (severe).

How does high blood pressure make you feel?

If you have certain symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, headache, excessive sweating, palpitations or irregular heart beats, problems with your vision, or confusion; these may be serious and should warrant prompt medical attention.

Can drinking lots of water lower blood pressure?

Something as simple as keeping yourself hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water every day improves blood pressure. Water makes up 73% of the human heart,¹ so no other liquid is better at controlling blood pressure.

What is hypertension stage1?

Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic pressure ranging from 130 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure ranging from 80 to 89 mm Hg. Stage 2 hypertension. More-severe hypertension, stage 2 hypertension is a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher. Hypertensive crisis.

Can hypertension be cured naturally?

Unfortunately there is no cure for high blood pressure currently, but you can take steps to manage it even without medication. Here are 7 ways to lower your blood pressure naturally: Exercise! Regular exercise is great for your overall well-being, and it can also help with lowering your BP.

How can I stop worrying about my blood pressure?

AdvertisementLose extra pounds and watch your waistline. Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. ... Exercise regularly. ... Eat a healthy diet. ... Reduce sodium in your diet. ... Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. ... Quit smoking. ... Cut back on caffeine. ... Reduce your stress.More items...

What is stroke level blood pressure?

A hypertensive crisis is a severe increase in blood pressure that can lead to a stroke. Extremely high blood pressure — a top number (systolic pressure) of 180 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher or a bottom number (diastolic pressure) of 120 mm Hg or higher — can damage blood vessels.

How long can you have high blood pressure before it causes damage?

In other words, once blood pressure rises above normal, subtle but harmful brain changes can occur rather quickly—perhaps within a year or two. And those changes may be hard to reverse, even if blood pressure is nudged back into the normal range with treatment.

What happens if your blood pressure is high?

If your blood pressure remains stubbornly high despite taking at least three different types of high blood pressure drugs, one of which usually should be a diuretic, you may have resistant hypertension.

How to control high blood pressure?

Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy foods. Get plenty of potassium, which can help prevent and control high blood pressure. Eat less saturated fat and trans fat.

What is elevated blood pressure?

Elevated blood pressure is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below (not above) 80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure tends to get worse over time unless steps are taken to control blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure may also be called prehypertension. Stage 1 hypertension.

What to do if you have chest pain?

If you also have chest pain, vision problems, numbness or weakness, breathing difficulty, or any other signs and symptoms of a stroke or heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency medical number. Both numbers in a blood pressure reading are important. But after age 50, the systolic reading is even more important.

What does blood pressure measure?

A blood pressure reading, as shown in the blood pressure monitor in the image, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure) in the first number, and the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats (diastolic pressure) in the second number.

Why do doctors ask you to record your blood pressure?

Your doctor may ask you to record your blood pressure at home to provide additional information and confirm if you have high blood pressure.

What tests are done to confirm if you have high blood pressure?

Ambulatory monitoring. This 24-hour blood pressure monitoring test is used to confirm if you have high blood pressure.

What are the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it . Measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Your blood pressure changes throughout the day based on your activities. Having blood pressure measures consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure (or hypertension). The higher your blood pressure levels, ...

What problems does high blood pressure cause?

High blood pressure can damage your health in many ways. It can seriously hurt important organs like your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

What can I do to prevent or manage high blood pressure?

Many people with high blood pressure can lower their blood pressure into a healthy range or keep their numbers in a healthy range by making lifestyle changes. Talk with your health care team about

How does high blood pressure affect the heart?

High blood pressure can damage your arteries by making them less elastic, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart and leads to heart disease. In addition, decreased blood flow to the heart can cause:

What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?

The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. If the measurement reads 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, you would say, “120 over 80,” or write, “120/80 mmHg.”.

How can a health care team diagnose high blood pressure?

Your health care team can diagnose high blood pressure and make treatment decisions by reviewing your systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels and comparing them to levels found in certain guidelines.

How do I know if I need medicine for high blood pressure?

Your health care team will tell you if you need medicine for high blood pressure, based on your blood pressure readings over a period of time. If you use a home blood pressure monitor, record or write down your readings.

Why share blood pressure readings with your health care team?

Share your readings with your health care team so that you can make the best decision to manage your blood pressure together.

How do blood pressure medicines work?

Blood pressure medicines can work several different ways. Blood pressure medicines can keep blood pressure at a healthy level by 1:

What are the benefits and risks of blood pressure medicines?

The benefits of blood pressure medicines are clear: Blood pressure medicines can help you keep your blood pressure at healthy levels and therefore greatly reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

How to lower blood pressure?

What are other ways I can lower my blood pressure? 1 Get regular physical activity. Staying physically active is one of the best things you can do for your health. Physical activity helps keep your heart and blood vessels strong. It also can help you keep a healthy weight. 2 Do not smoke. Smoking damages your blood vessels and greatly increases your risk of not only high blood pressure but also heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. 3 Eat healthy foods. Choosing healthy meal and snack options can help you avoid high blood pressure and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. 4 Keep a healthy weight. Having overweight or obesity means your heart must work harder to pump blood and oxygen around the body. Staying at a healthy weight reduces the stress on your heart and reduces your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

How to keep your heart healthy?

Physical activity helps keep your heart and blood vessels strong. It also can help you keep a healthy weight. Do not smoke. Smoking damages your blood vessels and greatly increases your risk of not only high blood pressure but also heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Eat healthy foods.

Can blood pressure medication cause dizziness?

What are the side effects of blood pressure medicines? Most of the time, blood pressure medicines do not cause side effects. Some people have mild side effects, including dizziness, headaches, swelling in the legs or feet, or stomach problems. 2. Some over-the-counter medicines, such as nasal decongestants, can also raise blood pressure ...

How to treat hypertension?

One of the easiest ways you can treat hypertension and prevent possible complications is through your diet. What you eat can go a long way toward easing or eliminating hypertension.

How to diagnose hypertension?

Diagnosing hypertension is as simple as taking a blood pressure reading. Most doctors’ offices check blood pressure as part of a routine visit. If you don’t receive a blood pressure reading at your next appointment, request one.

What is primary hypertension?

Primary hypertension is also called essential hypertension. This kind of hypertension develops over time with no identifiable cause. Most people have this type of high blood pressure. Researchers are still unclear what mechanisms cause blood pressure to slowly increase. A combination of factors may play a role.

Why does hypertension make your heart work harder?

Hypertension makes your heart work too hard. The increased pressure in your blood vessels forces your heart’s muscles to pump more frequently and with more force than a healthy heart should have to.

What is the best medication for hypertension?

Some of the medications used to treat hypertension include: Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers make your heart beat slower and with less force. This reduces the amount of blood pumped through your arteries with each beat, which lowers blood pressure.

How to prevent complications and avoid problems?

The best way to prevent complications and avoid problems is to catch hypertension early. You can come into your doctor’s office for a blood pressure reading, or your doctor may ask you to purchase a blood pressure cuff and take readings at home.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing through your vessels is consistently too high. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of hypertension, including its symptoms, causes, how it’s treated, and more.

How to lower blood pressure if you have high blood pressure?

Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure by up to 11 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure. This eating plan is known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

How to reduce sodium intake?

Eat fewer processed foods. Only a small amount of sodium occurs naturally in foods. Most sodium is added during processing.

How to avoid stress?

Avoid stress triggers. Try to avoid triggers when you can. For example, if rush-hour traffic on the way to work causes stress, try leaving earlier in the morning, or take public transportation. Avoid people who cause you stress if possible.

Does weight increase blood pressure?

Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Being overweight also can cause disrupted breathing while you sleep (sleep apnea), which further raises your blood pressure. Weight loss is one of the most effective lifestyle changes for controlling blood pressure.

Does alcohol raise blood pressure?

Drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol can actually raise blood pressure by several points. It can also reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.

What to do if you have a hypertensive crisis?

If a person is experiencing severe symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or visual difficulty, they need to call 911 for emergency medical treatment as they may be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

How many people have high blood pressure?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1 out of 3 adults in the United States have high blood pressure (hypertension).

What is blood pressure?

When to see a doctor. Complications. Causes and risk factors. Prevention. Summary. Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries as it goes around a person’s body. Sometimes, it can become too high, which can be dangerous.

What does the top number mean in blood pressure?

The top number (systolic) indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart beats. The lower number (diastolic) indicates the pressure as the heart rests between beats. As long as a person measures their blood pressure correctly, the results are just as reliable as a doctor’s measurement.

How much does aerobic exercise lower blood pressure?

Exercise: A 2015 study indicated that aerobic exercise could reduce blood pressure by 5–7 mm Hg.

How much chance of inheriting high blood pressure?

One review states that a person’s chance of inheriting high blood pressure is roughly 30–50% . The review also notes that although researchers have isolated genes that control blood pressure, these gene variants accounted for only 2–3% of genetic variations in blood pressure.

What is the best diet for high blood pressure?

People who eat well, stop smoking, lower their stress, and exercise regularly may see benefits in their general health. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) may be beneficial in helping to prevent or treat high blood pressure.

How to control high blood pressure?

Try these lifestyle changes to help lower and control your blood pressure. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and reduce the amount of sodium in your diet. ...

How to keep blood pressure under control?

But you might need medication too. Taking your medications as prescribed, monitoring your blood pressure and making lifestyle changes can help you reach and maintain a healthy blood pressure.

What is the best medicine for a relaxed heart?

Alpha blockers. Alpha blockers prevent the hormone norepinephrine (noradrenaline) from tightening the muscles in the walls of smaller arteries and veins, which causes the vessels to remain open and relaxed. Commonly prescribed alpha blockers include doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress) and terazosin.

What is the best medication to relax the arteries?

Calcium channel blockers. These medications prevent calcium from entering the cells of your heart and arteries, allowing your arteries to relax and open.

How to reduce sodium in your diet?

Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and reduce the amount of sodium in your diet.

What to do if lifestyle changes aren't enough to control blood pressure?

If making lifestyle changes isn't enough to control your blood pressure, your doctor will likely prescribe blood pressure medication. You may be given one or more of these medications:

Can medication help with blood pressure?

In most cases, a combination of lifestyle changes and medication can help you successfully control your blood pressure. However, it's not unusual to try several medications or doses before finding what works best for you.

What to do if your blood pressure is 180/120?

If your reading remains at 180/120 mm Hg or higher, call 911. If you are experiencing severe headaches or nosebleeds and are otherwise unwell, contact your doctor as they could be symptoms of other health conditions.

What are the signs of a stroke?

Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination and trouble walking are all warning signs of a stroke. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke.

Is high blood pressure a silent killer?

Truth: High blood pressure is a largely symptomless “silent killer.”. If you ignore your blood pressure because you think a certain symptom or sign will alert you to the problem, you are taking a dangerous chance with your life.

Is there a list of symptoms of high blood pressure?

If you are looking for a list of symptoms and signs of high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension), you won’t find them here. This is because most of the time, there are none. Myth: People with high blood pressure will experience symptoms, like nervousness, sweating, difficulty sleeping or facial flushing. Truth: High blood pressure is ...

Can high blood pressure cause facial flushing?

While facial flushing may occur while your blood pressure is higher than usual, high blood pressure is not the cause of facial flushing. Dizziness : While dizziness can be a side effect of some blood pressure medications, it is not caused by high blood pressure. However, dizziness should not be ignored, especially if the onset is sudden.

What should I do if my blood pressure numbers are high?

If you are concerned about your blood pressure numbers, talk to your health care team. They can help you make a plan to manage high blood pressure.

How to read blood pressure?

Empty your bladder before your reading. Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your reading. Put both feet flat on the ground and keep your legs uncrossed. Rest your arm with the cuff on a table at chest height. Make sure the blood pressure cuff is snug but not too tight.

Why do I need to measure my blood pressure?

Measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it.

How do health care professionals measure my blood pressure?

First, a health care professional wraps an inflatable cuff around your arm. The health care professional then inflates the cuff, which gently tightens on your arm. The cuff has a gauge on it that will measure your blood pressure.

How long before blood pressure is taken should you drink?

Use this checklist: Don’t eat or drink anything 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure. Empty your bladder before your reading.

What is it called when you have a high blood pressure reading?

Nervousness about having your blood pressure taken. This is called “white coat syndrome. ”. As many as 1 in 3 people who have a high blood pressure reading at the doctor’s office may have normal blood pressure readings outside of it. 1. What you ate, drank, or did before your reading.

Why is it important to get a blood pressure reading?

It’s important to get an accurate blood pressure reading so that you have a clearer picture of your risk for heart disease and stroke. A reading that says your blood pressure is lower than it actually is may give you a false sense of security about your health. A reading that says your blood pressure is higher than it actually is may lead ...

image

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Karthikeya T M
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Simple lifestyle changes can regulate high blood pressure, but when blood pressure is very high or lifestyle measures fail, medications for life long will be recommended.
Medication

Beta blockers: Helps in reducing the heart rate thus decreasing the blood pressure.

Acebutolol . Atenolol . Betaxolol


Diuretics: Increases urination which in turn reduces the sodium and fluid content resulting in decreasing blood pressure.

Bumetanide . Chlorthalidone . Chlorothiazide


Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Widens the blood vessels thereby aiding in easy blood flow and reduce the blood pressure.

Captopril . Fosinopril . Lisinopril . Ramipril


Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): Helps relax the blood vessels to lower the pressure.

Losartan . Telmisartan


Calcium channel blockers: Reduces the amount of calcium entering heart muscles thereby reducing the heart rate and controlling blood pressure.

Amlodipine . Felodipine . Isradipine


Alpha blockers: The muscles of arteries and veins are relaxed thus reducing the blood pressure.

Doxazosin . Prazosin . Terazosin


Renin inhibitors: Inhibits the enzyme that favors the production of angiotensin (a peptide hormone, which aids in regulation of blood pressure) which constricts blood vessels.

Aliskiren

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Eat more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods
  • Cut back on foods that are High in saturated fat, cholesterol, and trans fats
  • Eat more whole-grain foods, fish, poultry, and nuts

Foods to avoid:

  • Frozen foods
  • Salty and sugary foods
  • Caffeine and alcohol
  • Red meats

Specialist to consult

Cardiologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and management heart related disorders.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

Alternative Medicine

Coping and Support

  • Changing your lifestyle can help control and manage high blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend that you make lifestyle changes including: 1. Eating a heart-healthy diet with less salt 2. Getting regular physical activity 3. Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if you're overweight or obese 4. Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink Bu...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9