Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a serious condition that can lead to various health complications when left untreated.
As a result, managing and controlling hypertension has become even more crucial. In this article, we will discuss the updated guidelines for managing hypertension.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition that occurs when the force of blood against your blood vessel walls is too high. The condition is measured using two readings- systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher indicates that you have hypertension.
Why hypertension is a serious condition
Hypertension is one of the leading causes of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. It puts a strain on your blood vessels, causing your heart to pump harder to circulate blood.
Over time, hypertension can cause your blood vessels to weaken and narrow, leading to an increased risk of heart attack or a stroke. Kidney disease can happen when high blood pressure damages the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys, thereby preventing them from working effectively.
Guidelines for managing hypertension
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes are one of the main ways to control hypertension. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), lifestyle changes can help lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Below are some of the lifestyle changes that can help with hypertension:.
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Healthy eating- Eating a diet that is low in sodium and saturated fats can help lower your blood pressure. A diet rich in potassium, magnesium and fiber may also help lower blood pressure.
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Weight loss- Being overweight can put a strain on your blood vessels, causing your blood pressure to rise. Losing weight can help lower your blood pressure.
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Regular exercise- Exercise can help improve your heart and blood vessels’ health, lowering your blood pressure in the process.
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Reducing alcohol intake- Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure.
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Reducing stress- Chronic stress can raise your blood pressure, so learning to manage stress can be beneficial.
Medications
In some cases, lifestyle changes may not be enough to manage hypertension, and medication may be necessary. There are many types of medications available to help lower blood pressure, such as:.
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors- These medications help relax the blood vessels, making it easier for the blood to flow through them.
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Beta-blockers- These medications help reduce the heart rate and the force of the heart’s contractions.
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Calcium channel blockers- These medications help relax the blood vessels, making it easier for the blood to flow.
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Diuretics- These medications help eliminate excess fluid and salt from the body, thereby reducing the pressure on the blood vessel walls.
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Renin inhibitors- These medications help reduce the production of renin, an enzyme that raises blood pressure.
Conclusion
Hypertension is a condition that should not be taken lightly as it can lead to various health complications. However, with lifestyle changes and medication, hypertension can be managed and controlled.
It is essential to follow the updated guidelines for managing hypertension and to work closely with your healthcare provider.
