7 Proven Treatment of Hypertension & Medication in 2024

Understanding Hypertension and Its Risks

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition that increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems. It is amongst the top 3 diseases causing kidney failure. It occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is too high. A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is diagnosed when the reading is consistently 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

Goals and Approaches to Hypertension Treatment

The treatment for hypertension depends on the severity of the condition, the presence of other health issues, and the patient’s preferences. The main goals of treatment are to lower the blood pressure to a safe level, prevent or delay complications, and improve the quality of life.

The first line of treatment for hypertension is lifestyle changes. These include:

• Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Some examples of dietary approaches that can help lower blood pressure are the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet.
• Being physically active for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Physical activity can help lower blood pressure, strengthen the heart, and reduce stress.
• Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if overweight or obese. Excess weight can increase the strain on the heart and blood vessels, and contribute to other risk factors such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can raise blood pressure and damage the liver and other organs. Moderate drinking is defined as no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Managing stress, which can trigger the release of hormones that raise blood pressure and heart rate. Some effective ways to cope with stress are relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, hobbies, and social support.
• Monitoring blood pressure at home using a device called a sphygmomanometer, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and between beats (diastolic pressure). Home monitoring can help track the effects of treatment, detect any changes, and alert the patient and the doctor to any problems.

Medication for Hypertension Management

If lifestyle changes are not enough to control hypertension, or if the condition is severe or complicated by other health issues, medication may be prescribed. There are many types of blood pressure medications, each with a different mechanism of action and possible side effects. Some of the most common ones are:

• Diuretics, help the kidneys eliminate excess water and salt from the body, reducing the blood volume and pressure. Examples are hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, and spironolactone.
• Beta-blockers, slow down the heart rate and reduce the force of contraction, lowering the blood pressure and the oxygen demand of the heart. Examples are atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, block the production of a hormone that causes the blood vessels to narrow, allowing them to relax and widen. Examples are captopril, enalapril, and lisinopril.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), prevent the action of the same hormone that ACE inhibitors block, resulting in similar effects. Examples are losartan, valsartan, and candesartan.
• Calcium channel blockers, prevent the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, relaxing them and lowering the blood pressure and the workload of the heart. Examples are amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil.
• Alpha-blockers inhibit the action of another hormone that causes the blood vessels to constrict, relaxing them and reducing the blood pressure. Examples are doxazosin, prazosin, and terazosin.
• Renin-inhibitors interfere with the production of an enzyme that initiates a chain of reactions that lead to the formation of the hormone that ACE inhibitors and ARBs block, thus lowering blood pressure. An example is aliskiren.

The choice of medication depends on several factors, such as the patient’s age, race, medical history, other medications, and possible side effects. Sometimes, a combination of two or more drugs may be needed to achieve optimal blood pressure control. The dosage and frequency of medication may also vary depending on the patient’s response and tolerance. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and take the medication as prescribed, without missing doses or stopping abruptly.

The treatment for hypertension is usually lifelong unless the condition is reversed by lifestyle changes or cured by surgery. Regular follow-up visits with the doctor are necessary to monitor the blood pressure, adjust the treatment plan, and check for any complications or side effects. The patient should also report any new symptoms or problems to the doctor as soon as possible.

Hypertension is a serious but treatable condition that can affect anyone. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle changes, it is possible to lower blood pressure, prevent or delay complications, and live a longer and healthier life.