Treatment FAQ

what is treatment for high blood pressure

by Katelyn Stokes Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medications used to treat high blood pressure include: Diuretics. Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, are medications that help your kidneys eliminate sodium and water from the body. These drugs are often the first medications tried to treat high blood pressure.Jul 1, 2021

Medication

 · 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...

Nutrition

 · 10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication 1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline. Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Being overweight also... 2. Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity — such as 150 minutes a week, or about 30 minutes most days of the ...

What are the best natural remedies for high blood pressure?

 · To control or lower high blood pressure, your provider may recommend that you adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle. This includes choosing heart-healthy foods such as those in the DASH eating plan. You may also need to take medicines.

What is the best way to 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. Getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week (about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) Not smoking.

What is the best drug for high blood pressure?

 · You may be given one or more of these medications: Water pills (diuretics). A diuretic removes excess water and sodium from the body, so there's less fluid flowing through... Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These help relax blood vessels by preventing the formation of a body... ...

What to do at home for high blood pressure?

 · self treatment The need to stay away as much as possible from excessive salt and sodium intake, smoking, and to follow a healthy diet Make sure to eat green leafy vegetables and fruits. Because it contains water that improves blood circulation to the... Paying attention to exercise for its role in ...

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 · Medication is the main option for treating high blood pressure. As blood pressure improves with lifestyle modifications, medications can be withdrawn gradually. Medications in combination with a healthy diet reduce the risk of a stroke, a heart attack, and other complications. What is blood pressure?

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What is the best treatment for 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 the first line of treatment for high blood pressure?

Practice Pointers. The strongest body of evidence indicates that for most patients with hypertension, thiazide diuretics are the best proven first-line treatment in reducing morbidity and mortality.

Can high blood pressure be treated completely?

There is no cure for high blood pressure. But treatment can lower blood pressure that is too high. If it is mild, high blood pressure may sometimes be brought under control by making changes to a healthier lifestyle.

What causes high blood pressure?

Common factors that can lead to high blood pressure include: A diet high in salt, fat, and/or cholesterol. Chronic conditions such as kidney and hormone problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Family history, especially if your parents or other close relatives have high blood pressure.

Which drug is used to cure hypertension?

Diuretics. There are three classes of diuretic drugs that are used to treat hypertension. Most commonly used are thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide or chlorthalidone. There is not usually an increased urine flow after the first one or two days of taking these medications.

Can my blood pressure go back to normal?

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.

What is normal blood pressure by age?

Normal Blood Pressure By AgeAgeSBPMale51-55125.556-60129.561-65143.5Female21-25115.514 more rows

Can drinking water lower blood pressure?

Water does the body good. It's encouraged to drink water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. Along with helping to lower blood pressure, it can assist in lubricating the body, reducing the risk of conditions like kidney stones and urinary tract infections, and it can help improve brain function.

Lose Extra Pounds and Watch Your Waistline

Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Being overweight also can cause disrupted breathing while you sleep (sleep apnea), which furthe...

Reduce Sodium in Your Diet

Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can improve your heart health and reduce blood pressure by about 5 to 6 mm Hg if you have high bl...

Limit The Amount of Alcohol You Drink

Alcohol can be both good and bad for your health. By drinking alcohol only in moderation — generally one drink a day for women, or two a day for me...

Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home and See Your Doctor Regularly

Home monitoring can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure, make certain your lifestyle changes are working, and alert you and your doctor to po...

What is the best way to reduce blood pressure?

Diuretics . Diuretics , sometimes called water pills, help the kidneys get rid of excess water and salt (sodium). This reduces the volume of blood that needs to pass through the blood vessels. As a result, blood pressure goes down. There are three major types of diuretics defined by how they work.

What is considered high blood pressure?

The goal is to get your blood pressure below the high range. If normal is less than 120/80 mm Hg, what’s high? When the systolic blood pressure — the top number — is between 120 and 129, and the diastolic blood pressure — the bottom number — is less than 80, this is considered elevated blood pressure.

What is the purpose of calcium channel blockers?

Calcium channel blockers limit calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This makes the heart beat less forcefully with each beat and helps blood vessels relax.

What is the effect of ARBs on blood pressure?

ARBs block the action of angiotensin II directly on the blood vessels. It attaches at the receptor site on the blood vessels and keeps them from narrowing. This causes blood pressure to fall.

What is the purpose of beta blockers?

Beta-blockers help the heart to beat with less speed and force. The heart pumps less blood through the blood vessels with each beat, so blood pressure decreases. There are many drugs within this classification, including:

Can lifestyle changes help with high blood pressure?

Some people find that lifestyle changes alone are enough to control their high blood pressure. But many also take medication to treat their condition. There are many different types of blood pressure medications with different modes of action.

Can children take blood pressure medication?

Children may take the same blood pressure medications as adults when necessary. For children with secondary hypertension, blood pressure often returns to normal once the underlying condition is treated.

How to prevent high blood pressure?

To prevent high blood pressure, everyone should be encouraged to make lifestyle modifications, such as eating a healthier diet, quitting smoking, and getting more exercise. Treatment with medicationis recommended to lower blood pressure to less than 130/80 in people older than age 65 and those with risk factors such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

What is the first line of therapy for high blood pressure?

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 people with diabetes.

Do you have to keep a watch on blood pressure?

If you have diabetes or have had a heart attackor stroke, you’ll need to keep a closer watch on your blood pressure to prevent recurrent events. Check with your doctor about what blood pressure readingsyou should be aiming for.

What is the most important element in the management of high blood pressure?

The most important element in the management of high blood pressure is follow-up care.

How to get your heart pumping?

Getting regular aerobic exercise( such as brisk walking at least 30 minutes a day, several days a week). Check out a yogaclass. Seek out activities that get your heartpounding, like biking or swimming. Over the course of a week, aim to exerciseconsistently for at least 2 1/2 hours total.

How does smoking affect blood pressure?

Quitting smoking. Tobaccodamages the walls of your bloodvessels and hardens your arteries. Both need to be in good shape while you control your blood pressure.

What to do if blood pressure is 20/10?

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.

What is the best way to treat elevated blood pressure?

If you have elevated blood pressure and diabetes, kidney disease or cardiovascular disease, your doctor might recommend blood pressure medication in addition to lifestyle changes.

How to control blood pressure?

Eat less saturated fat and trans fat. Maintain a healthy weight. Keeping a healthy weight, or losing weight if you're overweight or obese, can help you control your blood pressure and lower your risk of related health problems.

How to get blood pressure checked?

If you think you may have elevated blood pressure or high blood pressure, make an appointment with your family doctor to have your blood pressure checked. No special preparations are necessary. To get an accurate reading, avoid caffeine, exercise and tobacco for at least 30 minutes before your test.

How to reduce sodium in food?

Use less salt (sodium). Put down the saltshaker. Also reduce your intake of processed meats, canned foods, commercial soups, frozen dinners and certain breads, which can be hidden sources of sodium. Read labels and pay attention to the sodium content. Aim to limit sodium by at least 1,000 milligrams (mg) a day.

Does insurance cover blood pressure monitors?

However, these devices aren't available in all medical centers, and insurance may not cover them. Your doctor might also recommend that you use a home blood pressure monitor, preferably one that can store your readings in its memory, to check your blood pressure regularly.

How long should blood pressure be measured?

After that, the arm with the higher reading should be used. Your doctor might suggest a six-hour or 24-hour blood pressure monitoring test called ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Is 120/80 mm Hg normal?

According to the American Heart Association, your blood pressure is normal if it is 120/80 mm Hg or lower. Other blood pressure measurements fall into the following categories: Elevated blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is ...

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.

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 does it mean to lower blood pressure?

By taking action to lower your blood pressure, you can help protect yourself against heart disease and stroke, also sometimes called cardiovascular disease (CVD).

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, ...

Why is high blood pressure called the silent killer?

High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because it usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it.

What does it mean when your heart can't pump enough blood to your other organs?

Heart failure, a condition that means your heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to your other organs.

What happens when the blood supply to your heart is blocked and heart muscle begins to die without enough oxygen?

Heart attack , which happens when the blood supply to your heart is blocked and heart muscle begins to die without enough oxygen. The longer the blood flow is blocked, the greater the damage to the heart.

Can high blood pressure cause heart problems?

High blood pressure can damage your health in many ways. It can seriously hurt important organs like your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. The good news is that, in most cases, you can manage your blood pressure to lower your risk for serious health problems.

Why is blood pressure important?

You can manage your blood pressure to lower your risk for serious health problems that may affect your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. You can manage your blood pressure to lower your risk for serious health problems that may affect your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

How to maintain a healthy blood pressure?

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

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:

What are some examples of blood pressure medications?

Examples are spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir) and eplerenone (Inspra). How well a drug works for you can depend on your age, sex, race, blood pressure level and overall health.

What are some examples of vascular medications?

As a result, blood flows more easily and your heart doesn't have to pump as hard. Examples include hydralazine and minoxidil.

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 are some examples of beta blockers?

Examples of beta blockers include metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL), nadolol (Corgard) and atenolol (Tenormin). Renin inhibitors. Renin is a substance produced by your kidneys that triggers a series of steps that increases blood pressure.

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 lower blood pressure immediately?

How to Lower My Blood Pressure Immediately Center. If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), without any complications, the first thing to do is to calm down and lie flat. If you face any complications of high blood pressure such as a stroke or heart attack, contact your physician without any delay. Do not attempt home remedies in such grave ...

How to calm down high blood pressure?

If you have high blood pressure ( hypertension ), without any complications, the first thing to do is to calm down and lie flat. Leave aside the task you were engaged in and slowly start taking deep breaths. This stress -relieving technique helps to bring down the blood pressure to a certain extent. If calming techniques don’t help, then consult ...

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure or hypertension is when the blood pressure readings consistently range from 140 or higher for systolic or 90 or higher for diastolic. Blood pressure readings above 180/120 mmHg are dangerously high and require immediate medical attention.

Is manual blood pressure accurate?

Manual blood pressure gives accurate results when used correctly by a trained person. However, manual blood pressure measurement is not the recommended type of blood pressure monitoring for home use because it requires some training.

What is the most common cause of heart attacks and strokes?

Take this quiz and test your IQ of high blood pressure (hypertension), the cardiovascular disease that causes most strokes and heart attacks. How are dizziness, snoring, and gout related to HBP? Find the answer and learn how medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments fight this common problem.

Is high blood pressure a risk?

High blood pressure puts you at risk for a number of other conditions. Here's what to look out for.

What is the AAC stage of hypertension?

The AAC considers 130/80 mm Hg. or greater (either number) stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is considered 140/90 mm Hg. or greater. If you have high blood pressure you are at risk of developing life threatening diseases like stroke and heart attack. REFERENCE: CDC.

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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.

Preparing For Your Appointment

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