Hypertension Treatment: Medication and Lifestyle Change

According to the World Health Organization,an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension. As we’ve discussed before, hypertension is what happens when blood pressure is too high.

Hypertension is diagnosed if, when it is measured on two different days, the systolic blood (the first number) pressure readings on both days is ≥140 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure (the second number) readings on both days is ≥90 mmHg. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) says that a person should start hypertension treatment involving lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication, when their blood pressure reaches 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

There is a plethora of blood pressure medications that have various effects on the body. Some of these medications include:

• Diuretics: Sometimes called water pills, it help the kidneys get rid of excess water and salt (sodium). Some also reduce potassium, which may result in weakness. 

• Beta-blockers: These drugs lower the heart’s workload. The heart pumps less blood through the blood vessels with each beat, so blood pressure decreases.

• Alpha-beta-blockers: These drugs are a subclass of beta-blockers that block the binding of catecholamine hormones to both alpha and beta receptors. They can decrease the constriction of blood vessels like alpha-1 blockers, and slow down the rate and force of the heartbeat like beta-blockers.

• Alpha blockers: These drugs reduce nerve signals to blood vessels. Theyrelax the muscle tone in the artery walls.

• Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: They enable the body to produce less angiotensin II, which is a chemical that narrows the arteries. They decrease blood pressure by helping blood vessels expand and let more blood through.

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): They block the effects of angiotensin II, it attaches at the receptor site on the blood vessels and keeps them from narrowing. This causes blood pressure to fall.

• Calcium channel blockers: These drugs help relax the muscles of the blood vessels by preventing calcium from entering the cells of the blood vessels and heart. This makes the heart beat less forcefully with each beat and helps blood vessels relax.

Lifestyle Change

Of course, aside from those medications, healthy lifestyle practices can help prevent or reduce the risk of hypertension. It’s important to keep these in mind:

• Eat a healthy, balanced, nutritious diet.
• Stay physically active.
• Maintain a moderate weight.
• Stop smoking.
• Make sure you get enough sleep every night.
• Limit your alcohol intake.

Conclusion

Treating high blood pressure usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Aside from these, there are also other approaches, such as meditation and practicing breathing techniques.

Recognizing and treating hypertension in its earliest stages can be instrumental in preventing further health problems. It’s important to go to your doctor regularly and go for a comprehensive physical exam. This will not only include a routine blood pressure check but will also involve an extended conversation to gather a complete portrait of one's medical history and current lifestyle.

By Chaula Patel, MD

November 29, 2022