Guidelines for Treating Hypertension

Hypertension is high blood pressure. The condition occurs when the blood pressure in the arteries becomes persistently elevated. Hypertension causes the heart to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. An individual with hypertension may not exhibit any symptoms. When the condition is not treated, it can lead to a number of serious or fatal illnesses including heart failure, heart attack, stroke, aneurysm or even renal failure.

Hypertension Facts

• As many as 73 million adults living in the United States suffer from high blood pressure. Two million children and teens have hypertension. Hypertension is diagnosed when a person's blood pressure is at or above 140/90. About 95 percent of diagnosed cases have unknown causes. The remaining 5 percent of cases are caused by conditions including cancer, kidney disease and the use of birth control pills. Many factors are linked to the development of hypertension, including smoking, diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise, medications, stress, aging, genetics, disease and other medical conditions, high salt intake and a vitamin D deficiency. Symptoms of hypertension include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, severe headaches, breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeat, chest pains and blood in the urine.

Hypertension Treatments

• There are many methods to control high blood pressure. You should discuss the options with your primary care physician or specialist to determine the methods that are best for you. Individuals respond to treatment differently. Finding the right treatment to lower your blood pressure may take some time and patience.

  The Mayo Clinic suggests a combination of medications and lifestyle changes for the treatment of hypertension. Lifestyle changes are highly recommended. To treat or avoid hypertension, experts recommend getting plenty of exercise and eating a well-balanced and healthy diet.

  Your doctor may decide you need medical intervention to treat your high blood pressure. Medications to treat hypertension are categorized by type. Diuretics can reduce blood pressure by helping the kidneys get rid of excess water and sodium. Many doctors prescribe diuretics as the first course of treatment.

  Beta blockers open blood vessels and reduce the strain on your heart. Beta blockers work best when combined with diuretics in some patients, especially blacks. ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so blood can flow through smoothly. This medication is often prescribed for people with another medical condition such as coronary heart or kidney disease. Other medication categories include angiotensin II receptor blockers, renin inhibitors, calcium blockers, alpha blockers, alpha-beta blockers, vasodilators and central-acting agents.

Doctor's Visits

• Hypertension is often referred to as the silent disease, because many individuals experience few or no symptoms. Hypertension is more common in older individuals. You can lower your risk by getting regular checkups and by making healthy lifestyle choices.

  If you are diagnosed with hypertension, you will need to see your doctor frequently. He will prescribe the medication or medications that are right for you. Your doctor will perform tests to see if the medication is working. If not, he will try a different medication or combination of medications.