Treatment and Prevention
The management of hypertension includes lifestyle changes and the use of medications. Proper treatment of high blood pressure can add years to a person's life. Controlling blood pressure with medications can decrease the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Medications used to lower blood pressure include diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide*), beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol), ACE inhibitors (e.g., ramipril, enalapril, lisinopril), calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine, amlodipine), angiotensin II blockers (e.g., losartan, valsartan), and direct renin inhibitors (e.g., aliskiren). People who have other risk factors, especially those who have diabetes or have already suffered heart damage, may be started on medications even if their blood pressure is below "official" hypertensive levels.
In most cases, the goal of treatment is to bring down the systolic pressure to less than 140 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure to less than 90 mm Hg. For people with diabetes or kidney disease, target blood pressure goals are lower (e.g., less than 130/80 mm Hg). Your doctor will determine the most appropriate goal for you.
To prevent hypertension and heart disease, here are some healthy lifestyle tips:
- Stop smoking.
- Lose weight.
- Cut down on your salt consumption.
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, grains, and fiber.
- Control alcohol intake (no more than 2 drinks per day to a maximum of 9 per week for women or 14 per week for men).
- Get regular physical activity (30 to 45 minutes of activity most days of the week).
It is important for people to know their blood pressure in mm Hg and the importance of keeping it controlled. The evidence suggests that even a small increase in blood pressure can cause a significant change in life expectancy.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, FACC Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at New York Medical College, and in private practice specializing in cardiovascular disease in Greenwich, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.