How to Treat Hypertension
Hypertension is a health condition, that if not managed correctly, may lead to serious complications. Here are some tips to treat hypertension.
Types of Hypertension
Primary Hypertension occurs because of the aging process.
Secondary Hypertension is caused by other underlying health problems, like kidney diseases, heart illnesses and the use of drugs that cause an increase in blood pressure.
Stages of Hypertension
On Prehypertension, your systolic pressure is between 120 and 139 mmHg while your diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89 mmHg.
Stage 1 hypertension has a systolic pressure from 140 to 159 mmHg and diastolic pressure from 90-99 mmHg.
Stage 2 hypertension is the most serious type of hypertension as your BP can be 160/100 mmHg or higher.
Diagnosis
Your doctor would need to take 2 or 3 blood pressure readings at different times. This is to determine whether or not your blood pressure is consistently above the normal range of 120/80 mmHg. He may also ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home and at work to fully know the extent of your condition.
If your readings show that you have hypertension, you might be asked to take various tests, like, urinalysis, blood tests and electrocardiogram (ECG).
Medications
The following are some of the medications that may be prescribed to you by your doctor to help manage your hypertension.
Beta blockers lessen the work load of your heart and dilates your blood vesels. In effect, your heart will pump blood with less force and beat slower.
Angiotensin- Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These drugs relax your blood vessels by inhibiting the production of chemicals that constrict your vessels.
Angiotensin II Receptor blockers relax your blood vessels by inhibiting the action of the chemicals that cosntrict your vessels. Patients with coronary heart disease and kidney problems are often given this type of drug.
Calcium Channel Blockers relaxes your heart muscles and decreases your heart rate.
Lifestyle Changes
DASH. When you have hypertension, eating healthy foods is very important. Try following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. This diet mainly focuses on fruits, vegetables, low-fat and low cholesterol meals.
Lessen sodium intake. Salt should be reduced from your diet. Be careful with eating processed foods as they contain high amount of salt.
Manage your weight. Obesity is one of the leading causes of hypertension. Make sure that you keep your weight within the ideal range.
Exercise. Inactivity also causes hypertension. Exercising would not only improve your circulatory system. It would also help you manage your weight.
Avoid unhealthy habits. Smoking and excessive drinking don’t only put you at risk of hypertension. These bad habits would also make you prone to having serious conditions like cancer and heart illnesses.
Relax. Avoid stress by knowing some relaxation techniques. Consider practicing deep breathing exercises.
Blood pressure monitoring. You may want to monitor your blood pressure at home and at work.If you’re already taking anti- hypertensive medications. Taking your blood pressure frequently will help you determine if the medication works or if you need to change you medicine.
Hypertension can easily be managed by having a healthy lifestyle. Having a regular doctor’s appointment would also help treat this condition.