High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently high.

It is a serious condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health complications, if left untreated. Hypertension is often managed with medication, but reaching optimal blood pressure levels can take time and persistence, sometimes involving a series of changes in medication dosages and even medication itself.

1. What Are the Types of High Blood Pressure Medication?

There are several types of medication used to treat high blood pressure. These include:.

: a) ACE inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are prescribed to help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Examples include enalapril, lisinopril, and benazepril.

: b) Calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers work by relaxing the muscles in blood vessels, increasing blood flow and reducing blood pressure. Examples include amlodipine, nifedipine, and diltiazem.

: c) Diuretics

Diuretics, also known as water pills, help the body to reduce excess fluid that can build up and cause high blood pressure. Examples include hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, and bumetanide.

: d) Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers reduce the heart rate and lower the workload on the heart, which in turn, reduces blood pressure. Examples include metoprolol, propranolol, and atenolol.

: e) Angiotensin receptor blockers

Angiotensin receptor blockers work by blocking the action of a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow, which lowers blood pressure. Examples include losartan, valsartan, and irbesartan.

2. What Are the Recommended Blood Pressure Levels?

The recommended blood pressure levels vary depending on several factors including age, sex, and any underlying health conditions. However, as a general guideline the following applies:.

• Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg
• Pre-hypertension is between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg
• Stage 1 hypertension is between 140/90 mmHg and 159/99 mmHg
• Stage 2 hypertension is 160/100 mmHg and above

3. When Should You Consider Increasing Your Dose?

When a patient’s blood pressure is consistently above the recommended target levels, your doctor may recommend increasing the dosage of medication you are taking.

Before your doctor can make a decision regarding increasing the dose, blood pressure levels may need to be monitored for a few weeks or even a few months to establish a trend indicating consistency. In some cases, the dose may need to be increased gradually to prevent side effects and observe an appropriate response.

4. When Should You Consider Switching to a Different Medication?

If your blood pressure is not lowered to the recommended levels on your current medication, your doctor might consider changing your medication or adding a medication to your current medication regime.

Related Article Hypertension: Is It Better to Take a Higher Dose or Switch Drugs?

Factors such as possible adverse effects, level of urgency, form of hypertension (primary vs. secondary hypertension), and other pre-existing medical conditions can all be considered when deciding to change medication.

5. What Factors May Affect Your Response to Medication?

The response to medication can vary from person to person, mainly due to individual differences in physiology, age, and other medication you may be taking. Here are a few factors that could affect your response to medication:.

• Age: As individuals advance in age, their cardiovascular systems may become weaker, leading to a reduction in responsiveness to medication.
• Genetics: Different genes are linked to differing levels of blood pressure and the response of blood pressure levels to medication.
• Lifestyle: Unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity may reduce the effectiveness of medication like prescription medication and, in severe conditions, may require other interventions such as surgery.
• Other medications: Interactions between different medications can affect the effectiveness of the medication and may lead to adverse effects.
• Secondary hypertension: Depending on the cause of high blood pressure, medication may not be effective in managing blood pressure levels.

6. What Are the Side Effects of Blood Pressure Medication?

Like all medication, blood pressure medication may cause side effects. Some common side effects include:.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weakness
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Erectile dysfunction
• Dry cough

If you experience any of these side effects or any other severe side effects, it is essential to speak to your doctor who may adjust your medication based on any changes in blood pressure levels, ensuring your overall health is not jeopardized.

7. Can Lifestyle Changes Help Manage High Blood Pressure?

A combination of medication and lifestyle changes often results in better management of high blood pressure. A few steps that incorporate changes that can be made include:.

• Eating a healthy and balanced diet that is low in salt and unhealthy fats.
• Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and physical activity.
• Regular exercise to reduce body weight and maintain cardiovascular function.
• Quitting smoking entirely, or reducing the impact of nicotine intake on your blood pressure by reducing the rate and amount of smoking.
• Moderating alcohol intake to an acceptable level that adheres to the 2015-2020 US Dietary Guidelines recommendation of no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
• Adapt stress-reducing techniques such as yoga or meditation.

8. What if You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose of your medication, the first thing to do is to follow the instructions provided by your doctor. A missed dose does not mean you should take a double dose; it could be hazardous to your health.

9. What Are the Signs of High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure symptoms tend to be rare and only occur in severe cases. Symptoms may include:.

• Severe headaches
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Blurred or impaired vision
• Blood in the urine
• Nosebleeds

It is important to note that these symptoms do not occur in all cases of hypertension.

Blood pressure monitoring and regular check-ups with your physician are the best ways to ensure hypertension is detected early before it takes a toll on your overall health.

10. Who Is At Risk of Developing Hypertension?

Hypertension affects people from all walks of life but some people are more at risk than others. These risk factors include:.

• Age: Individuals aged 55 and over are at higher risk of developing hypertension.
• Family history: If your family has a history of hypertension, there is a higher likelihood of developing the condition, especially if there are cases in family members of people who developed the condition in their early years.
• Obesity: Individuals who are overweight or obese are at higher risk of developing hypertension.
• Alcohol: A high level of alcohol consumption can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure and increase the risk of developing hypertension.
• Smoking: Smoking can have a significant effect on your blood pressure and cardiovascular function, increasing your propensity for hypertension and other diseases, including stroke and heart disease.
• Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise and lack of physical activity can contribute to hypertension.

There is still a lot to learn about hypertension and how it functions in the body.

While medication has made significant strides in managing high blood pressure, adhering to a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise is still key in the overall management of hypertension. Speak to your physician about a personalized management plan for your high blood pressure, and adhere to them closely to ensure optimum overall health and wellness.