Ask a doctor - How is hypertension treated?

Q. How is hypertension treated?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is typically managed through a combination of lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication. Here are the main approaches to treating hypertension:

1. Lifestyle Modifications:
- Healthy Diet: Following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products, while limiting sodium, saturated fats, and cholesterol.
- Weight Management: Losing excess weight, if overweight or obese, through a combination of diet and exercise.
- Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, for at least 150 minutes per week, or as recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Limiting Alcohol Intake: Moderating alcohol consumption, as excessive drinking can raise blood pressure.
- Quitting Smoking: If you smoke, quitting smoking can significantly lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Stress Reduction: Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, to manage stress levels.

2. Medication:
- If lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient to control blood pressure, healthcare providers may prescribe medications. There are several classes of antihypertensive medications, including:
- Diuretics: These medications help the body eliminate excess sodium and water, reducing blood volume and thus blood pressure.
- ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: These medications relax blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and lowering blood pressure.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: These medications relax blood vessels and decrease the force of the heart's contractions, lowering blood pressure.
- Beta-blockers: These medications reduce the workload on the heart and help it beat more slowly and with less force, lowering blood pressure.
- Other Medications: In some cases, other medications such as alpha-blockers, central agonists, or vasodilators may be prescribed.

3. Regular Monitoring:
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential to track progress and ensure that treatment is effective. This can be done at home with a home blood pressure monitor or at regular check-ups with a healthcare professional.

Treatment for hypertension is typically individualized based on factors such as the patient's age, overall health, presence of other medical conditions, and the severity of hypertension. It's important for individuals with hypertension to work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that suits their needs and lifestyle.