One of the most common health issues affecting Americans is hypertension. This condition occurs when there is more blood pumping into your heart than your arteries can manage. If not managed, hypertension or high blood pressure can cause severe damage to your blood vessels, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
The following are treatment options used to control high blood pressure.
Lifestyle Changes
Lose Weight
Being overweight is one of the biggest risk factors of hypertension. Therefore, proper weight management will help control your blood pressure. It can also reduce your risk of developing other serious health problems.
Researchers have shown that men with a waist size greater than 40 inches have a higher chance of developing hypertension while women have a higher risk if their waist is greater than 35 inches. However, these numbers can vary slightly from person to person, so it is best to check with your doctor to identify the healthy waist measurement and weight for you.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity will help you manage your hypertension, as well. It can also manage your stress. You need 150 minutes of moderate aerobic routine or 75 minutes of an intense aerobic routine every week. You can also include some muscle-strengthening exercises in your exercise plan.
Eat Healthily
If you already have hypertension, unhealthy eating can make your condition worse. Consuming a heart-healthy diet with a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods can help reduce hypertension and make your heart healthier. You should also limit your intake of sodium and alcohol.
Avoid Stress
Sometimes, stress causes hypertension. You can prevent your blood pressure from spiking by avoiding stressors. Using calming exercises, meditating, and resting are some of the ways you can deal with stress better.
Medication
Sometimes, lifestyle changes are insufficient in reducing hypertension. When this happens, your doctor may recommend you take medications. Some common hypertension medications include:
- These drugs help your kidneys manage your sodium and water levels better.
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors. ACE inhibitors block the formation of the chemical that narrows your blood vessels, thus keeping them relaxed.
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs). ARBs work by stopping the action of the chemical that causes the narrowing of your blood vessels. Like ACE inhibitors, these drugs are recommended for people with kidney problems.
- Calcium Channel Blockers. These relax your blood vessels, therefore reducing blood pressure.
- Alpha-Blockers. These reduce the effects of chemicals that narrow your vessels.
- Alpha-Beta Blockers. Alpha-beta blockers work like the alpha-blockers, with the additional effect of slowing your heartbeat.
- Beta-Blockers. Beta blockers work by opening your blood vessels, which in turn slows your heartbeat.
- Aldosterone Antagonists. This drug inhibits the effect of the chemical that causes salt and fluid retention in the body.
- Renin Inhibitors. Renin inhibitors work by slowing down the production of the enzyme that causes an increase in blood pressure.
- This drug prevents your arterial muscles from tightening or narrowing.
Hypertension Management In Texas
Hypertension is a chronic health condition that needs proper management to avoid further complications. Dr. Rani Anbarasu is a board-certified internist with over 30 years of experience helping patients with hypertension.
Come see her at Star Medical Associates in Denton or Frisco, Texas. You may contact our Denton office at (940) 382-6900 and our Frisco office at (469) 301-2300. Alternatively, you may use this online form to schedule a visit.
